Sodium Silicate
Water Glass
- CAS
- 1344-09-8
- EC
- 215-687-4
- Sectors
- Water & Wastewater Treatment, Building & Construction, Textiles, Leather & Paper
Sodium Silicate (CAS 1344-09-8), also known as water glass, is an inorganic silicate formed by fusing silica with sodium carbonate and supplied as a colorless liquid or powder, used as a builder in detergents, a corrosion control agent in water treatment, and a binder in adhesives, foundry molds and ceramics. Density 2.4 g/cm³, melting point 1089°C; highly soluble in water forming alkaline solutions (pH 12-13), insoluble in alcohols. Hygroscopic, decomposes in acids; produced by fusing silica with sodium carbonate.
Typical Properties
| Molecular weight | 122.06 g/mol |
|---|---|
| Appearance | colourless liquid as usually supplied (solution) |
| Form | powder |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Melting point | 1410 °C |
| Boiling point | 2355 °C |
| Density | 1.4 g/cm³ |
| Water solubility | very slightly soluble cold H2O [MER06] |
| pH | 13.5 (20°C in H2O) |
| GHS signal word | Danger · Corrosive, Irritant / harmful, Health hazard |
| HS code | 28391910 |
| Grades available | Technical Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Sodium Silicate
Applications
Used in detergents as builders, water treatment for corrosion control, adhesives, fireproofing, textiles bleaching, and as a binder in foundry molds and ceramics.
Safety & Risks
Highly corrosive, causes severe burns to skin, eyes, mucous membranes; inhalation irritates respiratory tract. Avoid acids; Hazard Class 8; use PPE and ventilation.
Packaging
Supplied in 25kg bags, drums, or bulk tanks; rinse containers triply for recycling or puncture for landfill disposal.