Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate (Na₂SiO₃·5H₂O) is a high-purity, white crystalline powder that is highly water-soluble and widely used across industrial, chemical, paper, textile, and cleaning applications. Known for its strong alkaline properties, excellent cleaning and buffering capacity, and anti-corrosion characteristics, it serves as a vital component in modern manufacturing and water treatment processes. Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate is commonly employed in detergents, flocculation processes, metal treatment, pulp and paper production, and textile finishing.

Key Features

Chemical Formula: Na₂SiO₃·5H₂O

Appearance: White crystalline powder or flakes

Solubility: Highly soluble in water

pH: Approximately 12–13 in aqueous solutions

Functionality: Strong alkalinity, flocculation, sludge and particle removal, water buffering

Industrial Uses: Detergents, paper, textiles, cleaning agents, metal treatment

Primary Applications

1. Industrial & Chemical Processing:
Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate is widely used in chemical synthesis and industrial processes. It acts as a flocculant, efficiently aggregating suspended solids and colloids to improve process performance.

2. Detergents & Cleaning Agents:
It is a key ingredient in detergents and cleaning formulations due to its strong alkalinity, grease removal capability, and water-softening properties.

3. Textile & Fabric Processing:
In the textile industry, it is used in fiber preparation and bleaching processes. Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate enhances dye fixation, color retention, and fabric quality.

4. Paper Industry:
It improves fiber retention and sheet formation, leading to higher-quality paper and more efficient production processes.

5. Metal Processing & Surface Treatment:
Acts as a cleaning agent and flux for metal surfaces. It prevents corrosion, enhances durability, and improves operational efficiency in metal processing.

6. Water Treatment & Environmental Management:
Used in water purification and recycling systems, it helps control suspended solids, hardness, and metal ions, improving overall water quality.

Benefits

High-purity and reliable quality

Rapidly soluble and easy to handle

Strong alkalinity and flocculation performance

Versatile for multiple industrial applications

Effective in detergents, paper, textiles, metal processing, and water treatment

Environmentally friendly and safe with proper handling

Mechanism of Action

When dissolved in water, Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate imparts strong alkalinity, which breaks down grease, oils, and colloidal particles. It aggregates suspended solids for rapid sedimentation. In metals, it protects surfaces from corrosion, and in detergents, it improves water softening and cleaning efficiency. In textiles and paper, it enhances fiber retention, sheet formation, and product quality.

Conclusion

Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate (Na₂SiO₃·5H₂O) is a high-quality, versatile, and reliable chemical compound essential across detergents, paper, textiles, metal treatment, and water management applications. Its rapid solubility, strong alkalinity, and multifunctional properties make it an indispensable component in modern industrial processes. Using Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate improves process efficiency, enhances product quality, and supports environmentally responsible manufacturing.