Potassium Silicate

Potassium silicate, also known as water glass or potassium water glass, is a chemical compound with the formula K2SiO3. It is derived from silica (SiO2) and potassium carbonate (K2CO3) through a process called fusion. Potassium silicate exists as a colorless to yellowish, water-soluble solid or glassy material, depending on its concentration and method of preparation.

Uses:

• Industrial Applications: Potassium silicate is widely used in various industrial applications, including as a binder, adhesive, and sealant in the manufacturing of ceramics, refractory materials, and foundry molds. It is also utilized as a corrosion inhibitor, coating agent, and fire retardant in construction materials and coatings.
• Agriculture: Potassium silicate is used as a source of potassium and silicon in agriculture. It is applied as a foliar spray or soil drench to improve plant health, increase resistance to diseases and pests, and enhance drought and stress tolerance. Potassium silicate also aids in the absorption and translocation of nutrients within plants.
• Water Treatment: Potassium silicate is employed in water treatment processes as a coagulant and flocculant to remove suspended solids, turbidity, and heavy metals from water and wastewater. It helps clarify water and improve filtration efficiency in municipal water treatment plants and industrial facilities.
• Adhesives and Sealants: Potassium silicate-based adhesives and sealants are used in construction, automotive, and aerospace applications due to their high-temperature resistance, chemical stability, and adhesion properties. They are particularly suitable for bonding heat-resistant materials such as ceramics, glass, and metal substrates.
• Art Conservation: Potassium silicate is utilized in the restoration and conservation of artworks and historical artifacts. It is applied as a consolidant and protective coating to reinforce fragile surfaces, stabilize powdery or deteriorating materials, and provide a barrier against environmental pollutants.