Silicates are used in a wide variety of industries. The most common use is the use of silicates in detergents.
Washing and cleaning products
Large quantities of liquid silicates have been used successfully in the formulation of washing and cleaning products for many years. In this area, manufacturers can benefit from many features of these raw materials. Silicates act as a buffer, source of alkali and binder for the neutralization of metals responsible for water hardness.
At the same time, they help to reduce surface tension, dissolve stains, dispersion of dirt, oil and grease particles, and thus prevent their re-depositing on fibers or surfaces. Also, silicates are corrosion inhibitors for metal surfaces.
Potassium silicate differs from sodium silicates in the following properties:
They provide less stickiness
Does not bloom.
They show good solubility.
They offer high temperature bonding properties
However sodium silicate solutions are more economically attractive when specific properties such as flame color or no blooming are needed.
Both aqueous potassium and sodium silicates,
Completely inorganic (inorganic silica-polymer solution)
Fireproof
VOC free
Odorless
Resistant to UV light, thermal and chemicals
Non-toxicological (do not show allergenic or mutagenic potential);
Food contact approved
Does not contain preservatives
Silicate solutions are sustainable products and are therefore at the forefront of many versatile applications.
