Sodium Metasilicate CAS 6834-92-0

What Sodium Metasilicate Is

Sodium metasilicate is the sodium salt of metasilicic acid with the formula Na2SiO3, sold anhydrous as white free-flowing powder or fine granules and also as pentahydrate (CAS 10213-79-3) and nonahydrate (CAS 13517-24-3) crystals. It dissolves readily in water to a strongly alkaline liquor and is not soluble in alcohol or acids. Among the soluble silicates it carries the highest alkali-to-silica ratio at the metasilicate 1 to 1 balance, which gives strong grease saponification and cleaning power while depositing a thin silicate film that inhibits corrosion on aluminum, zinc and soft metal. UATChem supplies anhydrous and hydrated industrial grades, with Na2O and SiO2 values, whiteness and particle size reported on the COA for each lot.

Cleaning, Water Treatment and Industrial Use

• Detergents and metal cleaning. Alkaline builder, emulsifier and soft-metal corrosion protector in laundry and dishwash products, hard-surface cleaners and industrial metal degreasing.
• Water treatment. Film-forming corrosion inhibitor for boilers and cooling systems, with coagulation aid and pH adjustment in water and wastewater work.
• Ceramics and construction. Grinding aid and binder in ceramics, and a hardening or curing input in concrete and floor treatments.
• Textile and paper. Hydrogen peroxide stabilizer and size remover in scouring and bleaching, and a deinking and bleaching aid in papermaking.

In detergent and hard-surface formulas sodium metasilicate is commonly built with anionic surfactants such as sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate (AOS), where the silicate supplies alkalinity and metal protection and the surfactant lifts soil.

Typical Specifications

Anhydrous, pentahydrate and nonahydrate grades differ in Na2O and SiO2 values, hydration and particle size; these figures and whiteness are reported on the COA, and the physical constants below identify the material.

Packaging, Documents and Ordering

• Packed in 25 kg woven bags with liner and in 1000 kg FIBC bulk bags; bags stay sealed, dry and moisture protected, and the material is stored away from acids.
• Sodium metasilicate is alkaline, so eye, skin and dust protection is used in handling, with hazard and transport data following the SDS. Every lot carries a COA with Na2O and SiO2 values, whiteness and particle size, together with TDS and SDS.
• For a quote, UATChem needs the hydrate form (anhydrous, pentahydrate or nonahydrate), particle size, quantity, packing and destination port.

FAQ

Q: What is sodium metasilicate used for?

A: It is an alkaline detergent and metal cleaning builder, a corrosion inhibitor in water treatment, and an input for ceramics.

Q: What is the difference between anhydrous and hydrated sodium metasilicate?

A: Anhydrous Na2SiO3 is a dry white powder; pentahydrate and nonahydrate grades hold bound water, chosen by the process.

Q: Is sodium metasilicate alkaline and how is it handled?

A: It forms a strongly alkaline solution near pH 12 to 13, kept dry, away from acids, with eye and skin protection per the SDS.