Water glass is liquid silicate known for its versatility, making it useful across many sectors and industries. Its durability is high, as water glass hardens and protects surfaces, making them more resistant to wear and chemical or physical impact.
Bollerup Jensen can offer silicates of sodium, potassium, and lithium grades. The ratio of silicon dioxide (SiO2), sodium (Na2O), and water (H2O) determines the types of silicates formed and their properties. For example, a higher amount of silicon dioxide improves water resistance, while more sodium lowers viscosity.
We continually work on expanding the use of our different silicates and refining our methods. If you, as a customer, have specific requirements and needs for your products, we are happy to develop new solutions that meet your requests.
Our silicate production is flexible, and we can deliver our products in various packaging types depending on your needs, from small one-liter bottles to large tank trucks, drums, IBC tanks, and more.
Potassium Silicate
The chemical formula for potassium silicate is K2SiO3.
The solution has a density between 1.4–1.6 g/ml.
Potassium water glass is a versatile product with many applications. It is often used where extra fire-resistant properties are needed, such as a binder for high-temperature insulation products and as a fire retardant in windows.
| Type | MeO % | SiO2 % | Molar ratio | Density °Bé | Density g/ml | Viscosity mPa*s 20° |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K4009 | 13,0-13,4 | 25,7-26,7 | 3,15 ±0,1 | 40 ±0,2 | 1,377-1,386 | 105-115 |
| K54 ? | 20,5-22,0 | 31-33 | 2,2-2,4 | 54 ±0,2 | 1,55-1,65 | 500-660 |
Potassium silicate (often called potassium metasilicate) is an inorganic compound consisting of potassium (K), silicon (Si), and oxygen (O) in the form of a silicate (SiO2). It is used in many industrial and chemical applications due to its unique properties.
Potassium silicate is used as a binder in silicate paints for durable surfaces and in agriculture as a source of potassium and silicon, which strengthens plants’ resistance. It also protects metals from corrosion and is included in fire-resistant materials. Additionally, it is used in water glass for industrial purposes like cement and adhesives.
Potassium silicate is considered an environmentally friendly product in certain applications, especially compared to other chemicals. It is non-toxic and has a low environmental impact, making it attractive in sustainable construction projects and organic farming.
Sodium Silicate
The chemical formula for sodium silicate is Na2SiO3.
The solution has a density between 1.26–1.53 g/ml.
Sodium water glass has a wide range of applications, from detergents, water purification, textile production, soil stabilization in tunnel construction, and paper and rubber production.
| Type | MeO % | SiO2 % | Molar ratio | Density °Bé | Density g/ml | Viscosity mPa*s 20° |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N36 | 7,5-8,5 | 25,0-26-0 | 3,3-3,5 | 36,3 ±0,2 | 1,33-1,36 | |
| N37/40 | 7,0-9,0 | 26,5-28,5 | 3,3-3,5 | 38,3 ±0,2 | 1,35-1,37 | 120-200 |
| N41 | 8,6-9,6 | 28,1-29,1 | 3,3-3,5 | 41,8 ±0,2 | 1,39-1,41 | 350-550 |
| N50 | 14,4-15,4 | 28,4-30,4 | 2,0-2,15 | 50,2 ±0,2 | 1,52-1,54 | 300-450 |
Sodium silicate, also known as water glass, is an inorganic compound consisting of sodium (Na), silicon (Si), and oxygen (O) in the form of a silicate. It often exists as an aqueous solution or in solid form as a glass-like, transparent material.
Sodium silicate is used in construction as a binder for concrete and mortar, improving durability and water resistance. It is also used in fire-retardant coatings, creating a heat-resistant barrier. In water treatment, it helps soften water and remove impurities. Sodium silicate also acts as an adhesive in paper products and is used for corrosion protection of metals. Additionally, it can be used as a sealant to close cracks and leaks in various materials.
Sodium silicate is environmentally friendly in many applications, as it is non-toxic and naturally breaks down without harmful by-products. It has a broad range of uses in both industrial and household settings.
Lithium Silicate
The chemical formula for lithium silicate is Li2SiO3.
The solution has a density of about 1.2 g/ml.
Lithium water glass is especially popular for concrete treatment and concrete coatings because lithium water glass penetrates deeper and prevents salt efflorescence. Lithium silicates can also be used to improve adhesion on various surfaces, making the product ideal for a wide range of industrial purposes.
| Type | MeO % | SiO2 % | Molar ratio | Density °Bé | Density g/ml | Viscosity mPa*s 20° |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Li24 | 2,4-2,6 | 19-23 | 3,9-4,5 | 24 ±0,2 | 1,17-1,22 |
Lithium silicate is an inorganic compound consisting of lithium (Li), silicon (Si), and oxygen (O) in the form of a silicate. It has unique properties that make it useful in several specialized applications, especially in construction materials and surface treatments.
Lithium silicate is primarily used as a concrete sealer, where it improves surface hardness and makes it more resistant to wear and chemicals. It is also used in surface treatments for polishing concrete and stone surfaces, enhancing shine without making them slippery. In the glass industry, it is used to produce special glass that is resistant to temperature changes. Lithium silicate is also used in ceramics to create strong and stable glazed surfaces, improving durability under high temperatures.
Lithium silicate offers several advantages over sodium and potassium silicate in certain applications. It does not crystallize as quickly as sodium silicate, making it better suited for surface treatments where long-lasting durability and high strength are desired. It also leaves fewer visible residues and is more resistant to alkaline degradation, making it ideal for applications where aesthetics and lasting quality are important.
Mixed Silicates
Bollerup Jensen is Denmark’s only producer of liquid silicates,
and today we offer sodium, potassium, and lithium silicate grades.
Mixed silicates refer to a group of inorganic compounds consisting of two or more metal ions combined with silicate (SiO4) ions. These compounds can include a combination of sodium, potassium, calcium, lithium, or other metal ions, giving them unique properties and uses depending on their chemical composition.
Mixed silicates refer to a group of inorganic compounds consisting of two or more metal ions combined with silicate (SiO4) ions. These compounds can include a combination of sodium, potassium, calcium, lithium, or other metal ions, giving them unique properties and uses depending on their chemical composition.
Mixed silicates are used in building materials as binders and sealants that improve the durability and waterproofing of cement and mortar. They are also used in ceramics to create durable and heat-resistant glazed surfaces. In the metal industry, they protect against corrosion by forming a barrier on metal surfaces. Additionally, they are used in fire-retardant materials due to their ability to withstand high temperatures. Finally, they are used in water treatment to soften water and remove impurities, as well as in glass production to strengthen and protect specialty glass.
Mixed silicates often combine the benefits of multiple metals, making them more versatile and suited to specific industrial needs. They offer improved resistance to chemicals, heat, and wear, making them ideal for applications where durability is critical.