Sodium liquid glass: properties and difference from potassium
What is Sodium Liquid Glass
Sodium liquid glass is a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium silicate, a product of dissolving a silicate lump in pressurized water. In fact, it is a mineral binder in liquid form: upon drying and contact with air carbon dioxide, the solution hardens, forming a strong vitreous film of silica. It is for this property that the product received the household name "liquid glass".
Sodium silicate is available as universal building material: it is suitable for waterproofing, concrete hardening, wood fireproofing, bonding and preparation of refractory castings. Unlike steam glass (insulation), composite sheet or reinforcement, liquid glass ETIZ is a liquid silicate, a concentrate that is used as is or diluted with water for a specific task.
Composition and production
The basis of the sodium liquid glass is silicon oxide (SiO₂) and sodium oxide (Na₂O) in aqueous solution. The raw materials for its production are completely natural:
- silica sand — source of silica;
- soda ash — source of alkaline sodium oxide;
- water — a solvent that determines the concentration of the finished product.
First, the raw material is fused into a silicate block, then it is dissolved in an autoclave. At the outlet — a viscous liquid from colorless to yellowish-gray, without a sharp odor, alkaline reaction. Sodium liquid glass is standardized in the Russian Federation GOST 13078 (see the ETIZ product data sheet for specific batch indicators).
Key Features
Sodium liquid glass combines several useful functions at once, so one material closes many tasks at the construction site:
- Waterproofing. Fills the pores and microcracks of the base, cuts off capillary moisture, increases the water resistance of concrete and mortar.
- Flame retardant and non-combustible. The mineral silicate does not burn, so the impregnation protects the wood and serves as the basis for refractory castings for stoves and fireplaces.
- ❕ antiseptic; The alkaline environment inhibits mold, fungus and putrefaction — the material works as an antiseptic for wood and damp surfaces.
- Binder and adhesive. Classic silicate adhesive for paper, cardboard, glass, porcelain.
- Reinforcing and dedusting. Impregnation of the concrete floor binds the dust, hardens the top layer and prepares the base for finishing.
- Accelerates the set. As an additive in mortar, it accelerates hardening and increases the chemical resistance of concrete.
Characteristics of sodium liquid glass
The exact values depend on the batch and are indicated in the passport, but typical landmarks for sodium silicate are as follows:
| Indicator | Typical landmark | Which mean |
|---|---|---|
| Type of silicate | Sodium (Na₂O·nSiO₂) | Universal, construction |
| 7. Silicate module | ≈ 2,6–3,4 | SiO₂ to Na₂O ratio; affects adhesive capacity and curing rate |
| Density | about 1.4 g/cm³ | Solution concentration indicator |
| Appearance | Viscous liquid | Colorless to yellowish grey |
| ETHYZ packing | Canister 5 L (7 kg), 10 L (14 kg) | Ready to use or dilute |
The exact values of the module and density are in the ETIZ passport. The ranges above are given as typical of sodium liquid glass and serve to understand the product and not as guaranteed batch figures.
How sodium liquid glass differs from potassium glass
Both sodium and potassium liquid glass are solutions of silicates, but with a different alkali metal (sodium or potassium), and this changes their behavior and scope. Sodium is more versatile and cheaper, so it dominates in construction. Potassium is more often used where resistance to the atmosphere and compatibility with pigments are important: in silicate paints and flame retardants.
| Parameter | Sodium ZhS | Potassium ZhS |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Sodium silicate | Potassium silicate |
| 7. Silicate module | Usually lower (~2.6-3.4) | Usually higher |
| Basic principles | Waterproofing, concrete, bonding, impregnation, antiseptic | Silicate paints, flame retardants and heat resistant compounds |
| Film weather resistance | Good | Above, less "efflorescence" |
| Price and prevalence | More affordable, more versatile | More expensive, narrower application |
Important: ETIZ product is sodium liquid glass. Potassium is a separate category, and it is not positioned in the construction line of ETIZ.
Why take sodium for construction
For most construction tasks, sodium liquid glass wins for three reasons: it is versatile (it closes waterproofing, hardening and antiseptic with one material), affordable and works well with cement systems — it speeds up the setting and increases the water resistance of concrete. Potassium silicate is justified where decorative facade paint or a heat-resistant composition is needed, but it is sodium that is used to coat the foundation, impregnate the floor or additive into the solution. You can choose the packaging for the scope of work in catalogue of liquid glass ETHYZ.
Application of sodium liquid glass
- Lubricating waterproofing — foundation, basement and cellar, walls, screed, swimming pool, well.
- Additive in concrete and mortar — waterproof and acid-resistant concrete, hardening acceleration.
- Priming and impregnation — dedusting and hardening of concrete floors and walls before finishing.
- Wood protection — fire-retardant and antiseptic impregnation.
- Glass glue — paper, cardboard, glass, porcelain.
- Refractory putties — repair of stoves and fireplaces.
How to dilute: Indicative proportions
The exact dosage depends on the task, base and conditions, so the figures below are indicative, check according to the instructions for the product:
- Waterproofing coating — the concentrate is diluted with water about 1:2–1:3.
- Concrete/mortar additive — a small fraction of the weight of the cement; an overdose accelerates the setting and makes the mixture difficult to lay.
- Floor priming/impregnation — the solution is applied in several passes until saturation.
Approximately and according to the task — always check with the ETIZ instructions and make a trial section.
Precautionary statement(s)
Liquid glass is convenient, but requires accuracy:
- Material quickly grasps — work quickly, in small areas, flush the tool immediately.
- In its pure form, the film is obtained fragile, so it is more often used in conjunction with cement compositions for waterproofing.
- Alkaline solution — use gloves and eye protectionIn case of contact with skin, wash immediately with water.
You can select the sodium silicate ETIZ and clarify the characteristics in section "Liquid glass" on the plant's website.
FAQs
How is liquid sodium glass different from potassium glass?
Both products are solutions of silicates, but with a different alkali metal. Sodium liquid glass is universal and cheaper, it is taken for waterproofing, concrete strengthening, bonding and antiseptic impregnation. Potassium has a higher silicate module and better weather resistance of the film, so it is more often used in silicate paints and flame retardants. For most construction tasks, it is sodium that is chosen. ETIZ product is sodium liquid glass.
What is sodium liquid glass made of?
The raw materials are completely natural: quartz sand as a source of silica and soda as a source of sodium oxide. They are fused into a silicate block and then dissolved in pressurized water. The output is a viscous aqueous solution of sodium silicate. In Russia, sodium liquid glass is standardized by GOST 13078, and the exact indicators of a particular batch are indicated in the ETIZ product passport.
What is the silicate modulus and density of sodium liquid glass?
For sodium liquid glass, a silicate modulus of about 2.6-3.4 is typical, and the density is about 1.4 g/cm³. These are indicative ranges specific to the product: the module shows the ratio of silica to alkali and affects the adhesive capacity and hardening rate. The exact values depend on the batch and are always given in the ETHYZ passport, so check with it.
How to dilute sodium liquid glass for waterproofing?
For membrane waterproofing, the concentrate is approximately diluted with water approximately 1:2–1:3, but the exact proportion depends on the task and the base. As an additive, a small fraction of the cement weight is introduced into the concrete. These are approximate values — always check the instructions for the product and make a trial section. Keep in mind that the material sets quickly, so prepare the solution in small portions.
In what packaging is liquid glass ETHYZ available?
ETIZ sodium liquid glass is supplied in convenient canisters of two volumes: 5 liters (about 7 kg) and 10 liters (about 14 kg). This format is also suitable for private works — waterproofing of the cellar, impregnation of the floor, wood protection — and for regular use at the facility. You can choose the right volume for the task in the catalog of liquid glass on the website of the ETIZ plant.
Is it possible to add sodium liquid glass to concrete?
Yes, this is one of the main applications. A small addition of sodium silicate increases the waterproofness and chemical resistance of concrete, helps to obtain acid-resistant solutions and accelerates setting. It is important not to exceed the dosage: excess greatly accelerates hardening and impairs the workability of the mixture. The proportion is selected approximately by the weight of the cement and specified according to the instructions, having previously checked the composition on the test kneading.
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