natriumsilikaattia

Natriumsilikaatti, often referred to as water glass, is an inorganic compound with the general formula Na2(SiO2)nO. It is a mixture of sodium carbonate and silicon dioxide that has been fused together and then dissolved in water. The resulting solution is alkaline and has a viscous consistency. The exact composition of natriumsilikaatti can vary, with different ratios of sodium oxide to silicon dioxide, which affects its properties and applications.

Industrially, natriumsilikaatti is produced by heating a mixture of sand (silicon dioxide) and sodium carbonate (soda ash) in a furnace at high temperatures. The molten product is then dissolved in water to form the liquid solution. It is available in various forms, including solid lumps, powders, and aqueous solutions of different concentrations and ratios.

Natriumsilikaatti has a wide range of industrial uses. It is employed as a detergent builder, an adhesive in the manufacturing of corrugated cardboard and paper products, and as a binder in refractories and cements. It also finds application in the production of silica gels, catalysts, and as a fire retardant. In water treatment, it acts as a corrosion inhibitor. Its alkalinity makes it useful in certain cleaning formulations. The specific properties of natriumsilikaatti, such as its viscosity, alkalinity, and binding capabilities, make it a versatile chemical intermediate.