Liquid glass, clerical glue - the materials are well known to us, since in everyday life they have a fairly wide application. But perhaps our information about them is very limited, and yet to learn about soluble potassium silicate, which serves as the basis for their manufacture, is not only interesting, but also useful. And that's why.
Few have heard that potassium silicates are associated with the concept of “dangerous preservatives.” Indeed, how do people who are not related to chemical production know that they are an E560 food supplement that prevents clumping and caking. They are used in bakery, production of granulated sugar, powdered milk and other powdered food products, as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics in the manufacture of powders and gels. It is impossible to say unequivocally that potassium silicate (the formula Na2O (SiO2) n) is a dangerous preservative, since the permissible daily intake is not defined. In the Russian Federation, supplementation is permitted, despite the fact that it has not yet passed the necessary tests and tests. This should be known and taken into account in everyday life.
Now let's talk about liquid glass, as the most known material based on potassium silicate. Manufacturing technology is quite complicated, so the production of silicate blocks is an absolute prerogative of chemical plants. In short, the essence of the process is that the compound of fine
quartz sand with soda is calcined in a furnace at a very high temperature, then the potassium silicate obtained as a block is crushed, and only then can an aqueous solution be obtained from it. Due to the fact that potash, which has a high cost, is also used as a raw material in the production of potassium silicate block, potassium silicate, unlike sodium, did not find mass application. In 90%,
sodium silicate or its mixture with potassium silicate is used to obtain liquid glass.
The liquid composition, which is based on potassium silicate, is indifferent to acids and is highly resistant to atmospheric conditions. The surface treated with the participation of potassium glass does not give glare, so it is often used in the production of various types of paints, and a few years ago liquid glass was used for the manufacture of automotive polishes. In construction, potassium glass is used as an impregnation and additives - adding it to cement mortars, putties and plasters allows to increase their strength and insulating characteristics.
Non-combustible paints containing potassium silicate provide an excellent coating for the walls of public spaces. 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, solid adsorbent silica gel and lead silicate. In ferrous metallurgy it is used for the manufacture of molds, in foundry - as a flotation reagent. Recall that the well-known stationery glue also contains potassium / sodium silicate and is used for bonding glass, wood, metal and paper.
Memo : Liquid glass, while not being a toxic substance, still requires careful handling. If the product comes into contact with the skin or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of warm water.