PQ Europe’s sodium metasilicate range has been developed to meet the dual demands of efficient cleaning performance and safe handling within the industrial and institutional markets. There is a choice of three different grades of metasilicate: pentahydrate, nonahydrate and anhydrous, each of which differs in terms of concentration.

Applications

• Sodium Metasilicates in detergent formulations
  Sodium Metasilicate is used in a numerous variety of different applications and formulations. In industrial and Institutional detergents (I&I) and high alkaline machine dishwashing detergents Sodium Metasilicate is used at high concentrations.
  
  Sodium Metasilicate provides:
  • Alkalinity that saponifies fatty soils and make them easy to dissolve. The saponified fatty soil contributes to the cleaning process.
  • Silica that disperses the soil in the solution and prevents it from redepositing on the surface.
  • Excellent buffering capacity which means that the pH is kept constant throughout the process.
  • Sequestration of calcium and magnesium ions in order to soften the water.
  • Protection against corrosion on metal, china and glass surfaces.
  • Stabilization of the bleaching agent during the washing process.

• Deinking of paper
  The recycling of newsprint and magazines is a growing market. The process involves removing the ink from the paper and preventing it from redepositing back onto the fibers. Sodium Metasilicate disperses the ink particles. Prevents redeposition and aids in the removal through flotation. Sodium Metasilicate also stabilizes the hydrogen peroxide used as a bleaching agent during the process.

• Deflocculation of clays
  In the clay processing industries, it is important that the clay has the right viscosity. Sodium Metasilicate acts as a deflocculation agent. The silicate adsorbs onto the clay surface and causes the clay particles to repel one another. This allows the clay to flow more freely.

• Refining of natural oils
  Sodium Metasilicate is effective as a neutralizing agent in the process of refining edible oils. Sodium Metasilicate reacts with the free fatty acids in the oil. The advantages of using Sodium Metasilicate are that water is not introduced in the process and that it is possible to eliminate the use of a bleaching step.

• Ore flotation
  Flotation is used as a process for separation of mineral ores from waste or gangue. Sodium Metasilicate cleans the metal surface and prevents the ore from reacting with other undesired materials. Sodium Metasilicate disperses the undesired material and keeps it in suspension.

• Others
  Sodium Metasilicate is also used in:
  • lithographic process
  • enhanced oil recovery
  • refractory and acid resistant cement
  • waste treatment
  • scouring of textiles
  • paper coatings

• Anhydrous Powder
• Anhydrous Granulate
• Pentahydrate Fine
• Pentahydrate Medium
• Nonahydrate Granulate


If you want to learn more about the diversity of applications of PQ Europe's sodium metasilicates, please visit PQ Corporation's web site.