Potassium silicate

Synonyms

Kasil; Kasil 6; PS 7; Potassium metasilicate; Potassium polysilicate; Potassium silicate solution; Potassium water glass; Pyramid 120; Silicic acid, potassium salt; Soluble potash glass; Soluble potash water glass; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Metals, Inorganic Compounds

Description

Colorless or yellowish hygroscopic solid; [Merck Index] White odorless powder; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]

Sources/Uses

Used as binder (carbon electrodes, lead pencils, protective coatings, insoluble pigments, and phosphors on television tubes), detergent additive, and catalyst; Also used to make glass, ceramics, welding rods, adhesives, cements, gels, and paints; [HSDB] Alkali metal silicates are used as starting materials for products like silicas and zeolites, in detergents and cleaners, and pulp and paper production; Also used to a lesser extent in soil stabilization and sealing, adhesives and binders (construction materials, paperboard and cardboard, ceramic binders, refractories, welding rods, and foundry molds and cores), surface coatings (titanium dioxide production, paints for masonry and glass, and spray coatings for tunnel construction and mining), water/wastewater treatment, enhanced oil recovery, and textile processing (bleach and dye stabilizing); [OECD SIDS: Soluble Silicates - 2004]

Comments

Composition varying from K2-Si2-O5 to K2-Si3-O7 and may also contain water; [Merck Index] Skin and eye irritation ranges from non-irritating to corrosive, based on animal studies (as molar ratio SiO2:K2O decreases, irritation increases); Similar uses and adverse effects are expected from the hydrous and anhydrous forms of sodium and Potassium silicate (Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate, Sodium metasilicate nonahydrate, Sodium metasilicate, and Potassium silicate). [OECD SIDS: Soluble Silicates - 2004] Contains 0.1-1% crystalline silica; A skin and strong eye irritant; [Alfa Aesar MSDS] See "Sodium silicate."

Biomedical References

Skin burns

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)
• Glass Manufacturing
• Mining
• Molding and Core Making
• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides)
• Petroleum Production and Refining
• Pulp and Paper Processing
• Sewer and Wastewater Treatment
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)
• Welding
• Working with Glues and Adhesives

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Ceramics making