Silicates

In inorganic chemistry, soluble silicates are considered among the most versatile and widely used materials due to their chemical and physical properties. Sodium silicate is the most important product, both in terms of volume and application fields. Potassium and lithium silicates are produced for applications that require specific properties. The fields of use range from the chemical industry to cleaning, from adhesives to the ceramic industry, to foundries, large underground projects, and more, which will be described later.

Silicates are naturally environmentally friendly. When heated, they emit only water vapor, and when dispersed into the soil or water, they rapidly depolymerize, dispersing as silicate compounds that are indistinguishable from those naturally found in the environment.

Constant attention to customer needs, combined with the experience of Prochin Italia’s staff and commitment to research, allows us to remain at the forefront of producing both basic and modified silicates that meet the increasingly diverse and specific demands of the markets

Sodium and potassium silicates in aqueous solution can be obtained through two distinct methods:

  • Fusion process followed by dissolution
  • Hydrothermal process or direct attack

Chemical Industry

Silicate solutions are widely used as a base for many chemical products or additives. Silicates are a source of silica, which is used in the production of silica sols, silica gels, precipitated silica, titanium dioxide, and, notably, zeolite production. In the detergent industry, zeolites are used as a substitute for phosphates.

Detergent Industry

Silicates in solution used in cleaning formulas offer several advantages. They provide protective functions against corrosion, offer buffering capacity within a pH range of 9-12, act as acid neutralizers, have emulsifying and saponification effects on oils and fatty acids, function as deflocculants and suspenders of particles, and are suitable for treating water hardness. For specific formulations and to prevent solubility issues, potassium silicate is recommended. Industrial cleaning agents are specially designed for contact with oils and fats or for specific surface cleaning treatments. Prochin Italia silicates ensure excellent saponification and deflocculation power.

Fusion process

Sodium and potassium silicates in their glassy state are produced through the chemical fusion reaction of pure silica sand (SiO2) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) or potassium carbonate (K2CO3) in special furnaces at temperatures above 1200°C. During the process, anhydrous silicate in the molten state and carbon dioxide in the gaseous state are formed, according to the following reaction:
M2CO3 + x SiO2 → M2O x SiO2 + CO2 (M = Na, K)

The anhydrous silicate is then rapidly cooled and broken into pieces. Due to its characteristic appearance, it is called waterglass (hydrosoluble glass).

Subsequently, it is dissolved in water. This process takes place inside special autoclaves, under pressure and at high temperatures.

Once the desired concentration is reached, the silicate solution is purified through decantation and filtration, and subjected to the relevant laboratory tests.

Hydrothermal process

This process directly utilizes the chemical attack on silica sand by an alkaline solution based on sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, in an aqueous environment, according to the following reaction:
2 MOH + x SiO2 → M2O x SiO2 + H2O (M = Na, K)

The reaction takes place inside special autoclaves, under pressure and at high temperatures; in this case, an aqueous silicate solution is directly obtained, which is then purified through decantation and filtration and subjected to the relevant laboratory tests.

Soluble silicates are inorganic compounds. Silicates are characterized by their broad versatility, which allows for wide usage. Sodium silicate is the most ‘important’ product in terms of production volume and application fields. Lithium and potassium silicates are generally used for specific applications where high performance is required. The application field of silicates includes the chemical industry, detergents, adhesives, ceramics, foundries, tunneling, and much more. Silicates have virtually no environmental impact. When heated, they release vapor. If dispersed into soil or water, the depolymerization process begins immediately, releasing silica that is no different from the silica naturally present. Different grades of products are available within our range, developed for specific applications or requests by the R&D department, providing valuable support to meet customer needs.

  • Paper Industry
  • Pulp Bleaching Process
  • Ink Removal Process from Recycled Paper