Liquid glass: what is it, composition and properties of sodium silicate

To briefly answer the question “liquid glass what is it" is an aqueous solution of sodium silicates, a viscous clear or yellowish liquid with a characteristic alkaline composition. Chemically, its formula is written as Na₂O·nSiO ₂ (in solution with water), where the letter n denotes the so-called 7. Silicate module — ratio of silicon oxide to sodium oxide. It is this indicator that largely determines the viscosity, adhesiveness and scope of the product.

It is important to immediately dilute the concepts: liquid glass is concentrate liquid, and not sheet "steam glass", not a composite panel and not reinforcement. ETIZ plant produces exactly sodium liquid glass — universal material for construction, waterproofing and work with concrete. Potassium liquid glass is a separate product (more often for silicate paints and flame retardants), and ETIZ does not position it in this line.

What liquid glass is made of: composition and raw materials

The basis is natural mineral raw materials. The classical industrial method is the fusion of quartz sand (silicon dioxide, SiO₂) with soda (sodium carbonate, Na₂COᐈ) at high temperature. As a result, a solid vitreous alloy is obtained — a silicate block, which is then dissolved in water under pressure, obtaining the same viscous solution. Thus, in a simplified form, the composition can be described by the formula "sand + soda + water".

• Quartz sand (SiO₂) — a source of silica, the "skeleton" of the future silicate.
• Soda (Na₂COᐈ) — supplies sodium, reduces the melting point of raw materials.
• Water — dissolves the silicate block and sets the working consistency of the solution.

The finished product is a homogeneous liquid without large inclusions. In sodium liquid glass, parameters such as silicate module, density and content of undesirable impurities are normalized. In Russia, sodium liquid glass is traditionally standardized according to GOST 13078. The exact values for a particular batch are always indicated in the product data sheet — they should not be taken "by eye".

Typical Characteristics of Sodium Liquid Glass

Below are indicative (typical for sodium silicate) ranges. These are not "hard" numbers of a particular batch, but the order of magnitudes: see the ETIZ passport for the exact values.

Basic Properties of Liquid Glass

The versatility of the material is explained by a combination of several useful properties. That is why one product closes the tasks of waterproofing, strengthening and protection.

• Waterproofing Penetrating into pores and microcracks, the silicate fills them and cuts off capillary moisture — the surface becomes water-resistant.
• Fire Proofing The mineral silicate does not burn; impregnation reduces the combustibility of wood and other bases.
• Antisepsis The alkaline environment suppresses mold, fungus and rotting processes.
• Binder and glue. It glues paper, cardboard, glass, porcelain well; it is part of refractory putties.
• Hardening and dedusting. Impregnation of concrete floors makes the surface stronger and removes dust.
• Additive to concrete. Increases water resistance, chemical resistance and speeds up the setting of the solution.

Where liquid glass is used

Areas of use include both construction and household tasks. Below are the main directions in which sodium liquid glass works ETHYZ.

1. Lubricating waterproofing — foundation, basement, cellar, swimming pool, well, walls, screed.
2. Additive in concrete and mortar — waterproof and acid-resistant concrete.
3. Priming and impregnation — dedusting and hardening of concrete floors and walls before finishing.
4. Wood protection — fire-retardant impregnation and antisepsis.
5. Glass glue — gluing of paper, cardboard, glass, porcelain.
6. Refractory putties — repair of stoves and fireplaces.

How to dilute: Indicative proportions

The finished concentrate for a specific task is either used as is or diluted with water. Here are the approximate ratios — they should always be specified according to the instructions and the nature of the work:

• Waterproofing coating: the concentrate is diluted with water approximately 1:2–1:3 (according to the task).
• Concrete/mortar additive: a small fraction of the cement weight is introduced, approximately specified according to the instructions.
• Soil-impregnation of the floor: more dilute solution for deep absorption.

These are guidelines, not rigid prescriptions: determine the exact dosage according to the ETIZ instructions and the specific task.

Precautionary statement(s)

The material is easy to work with, but it has nuances. Liquid glass quickly grasps, so you need to work quickly and in small areas, without kneading a lot of solution "in reserve". In its pure form, it forms a rather brittle film — for a number of tasks it is combined with other materials or used as a component of the composition. Since the environment is alkaline, it is worth protecting your hands and eyes when working. The product should be stored at a positive temperature, avoiding freezing.

You can choose the right volume and clarify the characteristics in catalogue of liquid glass ETHYZ — 5 l (7 kg) and 10 l (14 kg) canisters are packed.

FAQs

Liquid glass — what is it in simple words?

This is an aqueous solution of sodium silicate — a thick, viscous liquid that is obtained from quartz sand and soda. In fact, it is a mineral concentrate-silicate, and not a sheet material or insulation. It is used for waterproofing, as an additive in concrete, primer, antiseptic, fire protection and as a silicate adhesive. Sodium liquid glass ETHYZ is a universal construction option.

What is liquid glass made of?

The basis is natural raw materials. Quartz sand (silicon dioxide) is fused with soda at high temperature to obtain a solid silicate block, which is then dissolved in water. In a simplified form, the composition is described as sand plus soda plus water. The result is a homogeneous viscous liquid with an alkaline reaction, in which the silicate modulus and density are normalized.

What liquid glass does ETHYZ produce — sodium or potassium?

ETIZ produces sodium liquid glass — a universal option for construction, waterproofing and work with concrete. Potassium liquid glass is a separate product that is more often used in paints and flame retardants, and ETIZ does not position it in this line. If you doubt the choice, focus on the product data sheet and the task.

What are the typical characteristics of sodium liquid glass?

For sodium silicate, a silicate modulus in the range of about 2.6-3.4 and a density of about 1.4 g/cm³ is typical. These are indicative values — the exact indicators of a particular batch are always indicated in the ETIZ passport. In Russia, sodium liquid glass is traditionally standardized according to GOST 13078. The product is packed in cans of 5 l (7 kg) and 10 l (14 kg).

How to dilute liquid glass for waterproofing?

For membrane waterproofing, the concentrate is usually diluted with water in a ratio of approximately 1:2–1:3, but the proportion is always specified according to the instructions and the nature of the surface. As an additive, a small fraction of the cement weight is introduced into the concrete. You need to work quickly and in small areas — the material quickly sets. These are guidelines, not hard recipes.

Where is liquid glass used?

Areas of application are wide: membrane waterproofing of the foundation, basement, cellar, pool and well; admixture in concrete for waterproofing and acid resistance; priming and dedusting of concrete floors; fire-retardant impregnation and antisepsis of wood; silicate adhesive for paper, cardboard, glass and porcelain; refractory putties for stoves and fireplaces.