Sodium Silicate Supplier South Africa

What Is Sodium Silicate?

Sodium silicate is an inorganic compound with the general formula Na₂O·nSiO₂, where n is the molar ratio of silicon dioxide to sodium oxide (the SiO₂:Na₂O ratio, typically 2.0–3.3 for industrial grades). Commonly known as water glass or soluble glass, it is produced by fusing silica sand with sodium carbonate at high temperatures, then dissolving the resulting glass in water to form the clear, viscous alkaline liquid form. Higher SiO₂:Na₂O ratios (neutral silicates) produce more viscous solutions with better adhesive and binding properties; lower ratios (alkaline silicates) produce more strongly alkaline solutions suited for cleaning applications.

Cleaning and Detergent Functions

In detergent formulations, sodium silicate provides alkalinity, acts as a builder that sequesters hardness minerals, and delivers anti-corrosion protection to metal parts and washing machine components. Unlike caustic soda (NaOH), sodium silicate deposits a thin protective silicate film on aluminium and other metal surfaces, preventing corrosion during washing. In industrial and institutional cleaning, it is a key component of heavy-duty degreaser concentrates, oven cleaners, and alkaline spray washers. Its mild abrasive effect and saponifying alkalinity make it effective at removing baked-on fat and carbonised soils.

Other Industrial Applications and Supply

Beyond cleaning, sodium silicate is used as a cement additive and soil stabiliser in construction, a binder for refractory and foundry applications, a cardboard and paper adhesive in packaging manufacture, and a water treatment agent that controls pipe corrosion through surface passivation. Terracore Chemicals supplies liquid sodium silicate in drums and IBCs, and anhydrous solid grades in bags, to detergent manufacturers, construction companies, and industrial users across South Africa.