Potassium silicate and liquid glass - what's in common?

Liquid glass, clerical glue - materials are well known to us, since in everyday life they are widely used. But, perhaps, our information about them is very limited, and meanwhile it is not only interesting but also useful to learn about the soluble potassium silicate that serves as the basis for their production. And that's why.

Few people have heard that potassium silicates are associated with such a notion as "dangerous preservatives". Indeed, whence to people who are not connected with chemical production, to know that they are food additive Е560, which prevents caking and caking. They are used in bakery, production of granulated sugar, powdered milk and other powdered foods, as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics in the manufacture of powders and gels. To say unequivocally that potassium silicate (formula Na2O (SiO2) n) is a dangerous preservative, it is impossible, since the allowable daily intake rate is not determined. In the Russian Federation, the additive is allowed, despite the fact that it has not yet passed the necessary tests and tests. This should be known and considered in everyday life.

And now let's talk about liquid glass, as the most popular material based on potassium silicate. Manufacturing technology is quite complex, so the production of silicate blocks is the absolute prerogative of chemical plants. In short, the essence of the process is that the combination of fine quartz sand with soda is baked in the oven at a very high temperature, then the potassium silicate is obtained in the form of a slab, and only then can an aqueous solution be obtained from it. In view of the fact that potash silicate clay also uses potash, which has a high cost, as a raw material, potassium silicate unlike sodium does not find mass application. In 90% for the production of liquid glass is used sodium silicate or its mixture with potassium silicate.

The liquid composition, which is based on potassium silicate, is indifferent to acids and is more resistant to weathering. The surface treated with potassium glass does not give glare, so it is often used in the production of different types of paints, and a few years ago, liquid glass was used to make car polishes. In the construction, potassium glass is used as impregnations and additives - adding it to cement mortars, putties and plasters makes it possible to increase their strength and insulation characteristics.

Non-combustible paints containing potassium silicate serve as an excellent coating for walls of public premises. Surface treatment with mixtures with the addition of liquid glass gives them anti-corrosion and waterproofing properties, resistance to high temperatures. In the chemical industry, this substance is involved in the production of sodium metasilicate, a solid silica gel adsorbent and lead silicate. In the ferrous metallurgy it is used for making molds, in the foundry business - as a flotation reagent. Recall that all known stationery glue also contains potassium / sodium silicate and is used for gluing glass, wood, metal and paper.

Reminder : Liquid glass, not being a toxic substance, still requires careful handling. If the product gets on your skin or eyes, immediately wash it off with plenty of warm water.