Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate Supplier South Africa

What Is Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate?

Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate (SMS·5H₂O) is the crystalline hydrated form of sodium metasilicate (Na₂SiO₃), produced by reacting sodium carbonate with silicon dioxide at high temperature, then crystallising the product with five moles of water. It dissolves readily in cold water to form a strongly alkaline solution (pH ~12.5), making it one of the most alkaline builders used in detergent and cleaning product formulations. The pentahydrate form is preferred over the anhydrous form in powder detergent manufacturing due to its free-flowing granular character, controlled dissolution rate, and reduced hygroscopicity.

Builder and Alkalinity Functions

In heavy-duty powder detergents and industrial cleaning formulations, sodium metasilicate pentahydrate serves three simultaneous functions: it provides strong alkalinity that saponifies fats and oils on surfaces, it sequesters calcium and magnesium hardness ions (preventing surfactant precipitation), and it contributes mild anti-corrosion protection to metal substrates. It also acts as a peptising agent, dispersing soil particles into the wash liquor and preventing their redeposition on cleaned surfaces. SMS is particularly effective in high-temperature cleaning applications such as dishwashing, CIP systems, and industrial parts washing.

Ukunikezwa Nokupakisha

Terracore Chemicals supplies sodium metasilicate pentahydrate in 25 kg bags for detergent manufacturers, industrial cleaning product formulators, and institutional cleaning operations. We advise on dosage rates and compatibility with other components in degreaser and dishwash formulations.