Potassium Silicate

Potassium Silicates are a family of chemicals with a range of physical and chemical properties. The character of the products is determined by the ratio of silica to alkali and by the solids content. Although Potassium Silicates resemble Sodium Silicates in their basic composition, their industrial uses vary significantly. Potassium Silicates are water-soluble products of potassium oxide (K2O) and silica (SiO2) manufactured from potassium silicate glass, which is produced in furnaces by melting high purity sand with potassium carbonate. Potassium Silicates are alkaline and available in a range of SiO2: K2O ratio as liquids, flake glass and as spray-dried soluble powder for use in numerous industrial applications.

Synonyms
Potassium Silicate, Silicic Acid, Potassium Salt
Chemical Formula
K2Si2O5
CAS Number
1312-76-1

Characteristics

Molar Weight
214.36 g/mol
Melting Point
905°C
Density
1.25 - 1.60 g/cm³
Forms
Liquid (clear)

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Cleaning products
  • Adhesives and Sealants
  • Oil and Gas
  • Pulp and paper
  • Textile handling
  • Agricultural
  • Catalysts
  • Detergent
  • Cosmetic products
  • Electronics
  • Foundry

Industries

Potassium silicate

Potassium silicate is also known as potassium water glass. It is a chemical compound from the group of potassium compounds and silicates.
Potassium silicate exists in nature in the form of minerals such as feldspars, mica (muscovite) and leucite as well as in certain rocks. However, these natural deposits are mostly insoluble and require chemical conversion in order to be utilised in industry. The industrial production of potassium silicate is often based on these natural resources.
Potassium silicate is environmentally friendly and biodegradable - these properties make the substance a popular chemical in various industries.

Potassium silicate in the industry

Potassium silicate acts as a pH buffer and alkalising agent in the cleaning industry. It stabilises and increases the pH value of cleaning products. It is mainly used in industrial cleaners for machines and floors and in dishwashing detergents for the commercial sector.
Potassium silicate also dissolves organic and inorganic deposits. It supports the removal of oils, greases and other stubborn dirt in kitchens, workshops or production facilities.
The substance also forms a thin, glass-like protective layer on metal surfaces, which prevents corrosion. It therefore extends the service life of appliances and machines. It is also used as a binding agent in cleaning products such as washing powder or scouring agents.
Potassium silicate is used in water softening to prevent limescale deposits on surfaces, as it chemically binds calcium and magnesium ions, which are responsible for water hardness. This also improves the effect of cleaning agents in hard water.
Potassium silicate is used in the construction industry in paints and silicate paints. Silicate paints are based on potassium silicate as a binder. They provide durable, breathable and weather-resistant coatings for interior and exterior walls.
Due to their high alkalinity, they are resistant to mould and prevent the growth of microorganisms. In addition, they chemically bond with mineral substrates (such as plaster or concrete) through silicification and thus offer strong adhesion.
Potassium silicate is also used to produce mineral plasters and mortars that are particularly durable and breathable. It increases strength and protects against moisture.
The substance is also used as an impregnating agent for concrete and masonry. It penetrates into the pores, reacts chemically with the substrate and forms a waterproof layer. This impregnation protects surfaces from weathering, cracking and chemical attack without impairing breathability.
Potassium silicate is used in fire protection coatings as it is non-flammable. It is also used as a protective coating for steel and metal structures to prevent corrosion.
Potassium silicate plays an important role in the adhesives and sealants industry. It serves as a binder in heat-resistant adhesives and is used to bond mineral and metallic materials together using inorganic adhesives, for example for ceramic components or glass fibres.
Potassium silicate is also indispensable in sealants for high-temperature applications, for example in ovens, fireplaces, boiler systems or chimneys. It forms a stable, inorganic protective layer that is resistant to fire and thermal decomposition. It also seals against gases.
In protective sealants, potassium silicate protects metal surfaces against corrosion. It also provides sealants with chemical resistance.
Potassium silicate is used in drilling fluids in the oil and gas industry to stabilise clay formations. It also ensures greater stability in the cementing of boreholes and is added to fracking fluids. Potassium silicate is also used as a corrosion inhibitor to protect metallic surfaces in production and processing plants from chemical attack. It is also used in the production of chemical gels to control flow rates in reservoirs.
Potassium silicate is used in the paper industry to coat paper. Coating with potassium silicate increases the opacity (impermeability to light), fire resistance (for industries such as construction, electronics and packaging) and gloss of the paper and improves ink absorption in printing processes. It is also used for the production of water-repellent papers, for example for the food industry.
Treatment with potassium silicate makes cardboard less susceptible to moisture and chemical attack. Due to its alkalinity, it has a fungicidal effect and protects paper products from microbial decomposition.
Potassium silicate is used in the processing of cellulose, for example in the pulping of wood fibres. The substance is also used to optimise fibre bonding, thereby increasing the strength of the end product.
Potassium silicate is used in the textile industry as a flame retardant for textiles such as workwear, curtains and upholstery fabrics. It is used as a binding agent in the coating of textiles. Potassium silicate is used to fix pigments and other coating materials to fabrics. It improves the durability of coatings and resistance to wear.
It is also used in the production of water-repellent textiles. Fabrics treated with potassium silicate are also more resistant to wear and microbial degradation.
The chemical is also used in the production of technical textiles that are characterised by thermal or electrical insulation.
Potassium silicate is used in the cosmetics industry as a thickening agent and pH regulator in skin care products, among other things. In facial toners, soaps and cleansing products, potassium silicate removes dirt and grease, while in anti-ageing products it produces a firming effect. It forms a thin, firm layer on the surface of the skin, which visually smoothes wrinkles.
Potassium silicate is used in shampoos, hair conditioners and firming agents to strengthen the structure of the hair. In certain anti-dandruff formulations, it helps to cleanse and stabilise the scalp.
In decorative cosmetics such as foundations and powders, potassium silicate is used as a fixing agent to improve the longevity of the products. It is also used as a mattifying additive to reduce excess shine and create an even complexion.
Potassium silicate is used in toothpaste and tooth cleaning products to ensure gentle but effective cleaning of the teeth. It helps to remove plaque and discolouration without damaging tooth enamel.
The substance stabilises emulsions by preventing the separation of oil and water phases. It increases the shelf life of cosmetic products.
Potassium silicate is used in agriculture as a fertiliser additive, plant strengthener and crop protection agent.
In metal processing, potassium silicate is used as a versatile material to protect, process and refine metals. Its areas of application range from protective coatings (heat protection, corrosion) and binding agents in foundries to welding and soldering processes, cleaning and passivation of metals and the production of refractory materials and lubricants.
Potassium silicate is used in the electronics industry in protective coatings, adhesives and sealants, insulating materials, semiconductor production, the production of displays and optoelectronics and other applications.
It also plays an important role as a binder, stabiliser and basic additive in the production and function of catalysts. It is also used as a carrier material.