Liquid silicates: properties, preparation and wide applications

Introduction of liquid silicates

Liquid silicate, also known as silicate solution, is a silicate substance that is fluid at room temperature. Its special physical properties and wide range of applications make it significant in scientific research and industrial production. The article below will introduce the basic properties, preparation methods, and applications of liquid silicates in various fields.

Basic properties of liquid silicate

Chemical composition: Liquid silicate mainly comprises silicate ions, and its general formula is [SiO4]n (n=2-4). Silicate ions can form chain or ring structures by sharing oxygen atoms.

Physical properties: Liquid silicate is fluid and can remain liquid at room temperature. Its physical parameters, such as viscosity, density, and conductivity, are related to the concentration and temperature of the solution.

Stability: Liquid silicate can remain stable at a specific temperature and concentration. However, its structure may change when temperature or concentration changes, leading to phase changes or chemical decomposition.

Preparation of liquid silicate

The preparation method of liquid silicate mainly includes the following steps:

Choose the appropriate silicon source: Commonly used silicon sources include sodium silicate, potassium silicate, lithium silicate, etc. Select a suitable silicon source based on the properties and use of the liquid silicate required.

Preparing the silicate solution: Mix the selected silicon source with water or other solvents, heat and stir until dissolved, and obtain the silicate solution. In this step, controlling the concentration and temperature of the solution is crucial to the stability of the liquid silicate produced.

Heat treatment: The silicate solution is heat treated to change its physical properties and chemical composition to obtain the required liquid silicate. During heat treatment, heating speed, temperature, and time must be controlled to avoid undesired phase changes or chemical reactions.

Cooling and separation: Cool the heat-treated liquid silicate to room temperature and separate it by centrifugation, filtration or decantation to obtain pure liquid silicate.

Adjust concentration: Adjust the concentration of liquid silicate by adding solvent or silicon source according to application needs.

Application of liquid silicate

Glass industry: In the glass manufacturing process, adding an appropriate amount of liquid silicate can enhance the durability and structural integrity of the glass. In addition, liquid silicate can also be used as a glass etchant and surface treatment agent.

Ceramic industry: In ceramic production, using liquid silicates as binders and reinforcing agents can improve ceramic products’ strength and heat resistance. In addition, liquid silicates can be used for coating and etching ceramic surfaces.

Construction industry: In construction materials, liquid silicates can be used as waterproofing, anti-corrosion, and reinforcing agents. It can also be used to prepare sealants and coatings for construction.

Electronics industry: In the electronics industry, liquid silicate can be used to prepare precision devices such as circuit boards and chips. In addition, liquid silicate can be used as an etchant and cleaning agent for electronic materials.

Environmental treatment: Liquid silicate can be used to address the presence of metallic elements in wastewater from industrial processes and convert them into stable silicate precipitation, thereby achieving the purpose of wastewater purification. In addition, liquid silicates can also be used in fields such as soil remediation and air pollution control.

Medical field: In the medical field, liquid silicates can be used as drug carriers and sustained-release agents. In addition, liquid silicates can be used to prepare biocompatible materials and surface coatings for medical devices.

Other fields:  Liquid silicate is also widely used in light industry, textile, food and other areas. For example, in textile processing, liquid silicates can be used as antistatic agents and softeners; in the food industry, liquid silicates can be used as food additives to improve taste and stability.

Prospects

With the continuous development of science and technology and the sustainable expansion of new application fields, liquid silicate will play an even more important role in future research and applications. With the rising awareness of environmental protection and the increasing demand for high-performance materials, liquid silicates have broad application prospects in green manufacturing and preparation of high-performance materials. At the same time, further in-depth study of the relationship between the structure and properties of liquid silicate and its reaction mechanism will help promote the development and innovation of the liquid silicate industry.

We look forward to more scientific researchers paying attention to and investing in the research and application of liquid silicate and making greater contributions to promoting the progress and development of human society.

Supplier

TRUNNANO is a supplier of liquid silicate materials with over 12 years of experience in nano-building energy conservation and nanotechnology development. It accepts payment via Credit Card, T/T, West Union and Paypal. Trunnano will ship the goods to customers overseas through FedEx, DHL, by air, or by sea. If you are looking for high-quality liquid silicates, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry.