Liquid glass: used in construction, home and work

In today's construction industry, there are many finishing and auxiliary materials in the form of putties, coatings and protective compounds, but along with them known means tested ages called liquid glass. The use of silicate compounds is very broad, which makes them versatile and unique. For more details about the areas of use of the substance can be found in this article.

Liquid glass: the composition and properties of the material

The term "waterglass" appeared due to properties of the aqueous mixture during solidification transformed into solid crystalline substance. Its popularity is due to the adhesive and waterproof characteristics. We invented a tool in the Middle Ages. The basis of its preparation is the reaction of silicic acid and alkali compounds. Patented invention only in 1818, a German chemist, mineralogist Jan Nepomuk von Fuchs.

Classic of the substance remained virtually unchanged over the centuries. It comprises a silica-containing components and the sodium hydroxide solution, capable of dissolving in water. That is why the water glass is also called soluble. Externally, it is colorless (sometimes with greenish or yellow tint) transparent material of different consistencies. waterglass Formula is a compound of alkali silicates, respectively, has the form:

• Na2O (SiO2) n - sodium silicate;
• K2O (SiO2) n - potassium silicate.

To get an idea what it's like liquid glass, it is enough to remember high-school chemistry. Numeric molecular ratio of SiO2 to Na2O or K2O molecules called silica modulus, and determining the solubility of a number of other properties of the liquid glass. Figure n indicates the number of silica molecules.

Material obtained by fusing quartz sand, mixed with soda or sodium sulfate and charcoal. This occurs in special glass furnaces that operate continuously. Technologically cooking process is similar to the production of an insoluble glass. Water glass is also produced by means of autoclaving the amorphous silica of high concentration caustic alkali.

Water glass: characteristics and use of the material

Versatility means due to the mass of the functions performed by the liquid glass in the building (and not only), specifically:

• repels moisture eliminating the negative effects of water exposure for building materials, thus acting in the role of the hydrophobic insulator;
• It eliminates bacteria, fungi and mold, prevents their reproduction, being an excellent antiseptic;
• It is used to fill the pores on different surfaces;
• neutralizes static electricity, serving as an antistatic agent;
• and serves as a thermal insulator material provides the flame retardancy.

Important!Liquid glass is not recommended to be applied to the brick, since the composition means has a devastating effect on the porous structure surface of the brick.

The broad scope of waterglass and its functionality due to a number of specific characteristics:

• ease of penetration of material into the microscopic cracks and pores, their full occupancy, making it easy to apply on concrete and wooden surfaces;
• minimum consumption of material and low cost compared with other waterproofing means;
• long service life, which starts at five years;
• high moisture resistance;
• degree of protection, depending on the number of layers of impregnation;
• applying the solution forms a waterproofing layer a high degree of reliability.

Potassium or sodium water glass: the use and differences

The main feature of a liquid glass - is its broad scope of application. As mentioned above, in its composition may include two minerals - sodium and potassium. This is the main difference between the two types of material, but there are differences in their scope.

Liquid potassium glass type most often used in paint production, as this material copes with different weather and chemical attack. This component is often a part of the silicate paints.

Instructions for use of sodium water glass provided being added to adhesive solution, since the material has high binding properties. It is this structure provides good waterproofing surface protection. Embodiment based on sodium increases the strength characteristics of concrete structures. Moreover, it favors their fire resistance and provides high antiseptic properties.

Thus, a broad spectrum has the properties a sodium water glass, and its application, respectively, is much wider. At the same time the cost of potash glass above, since it is much more effective resists acids, moisture and weathering. After its use does not remain on the surface whitish spots, characteristic of the sodium solution.

Liquid glass: the use in a variety of fields

In the production process soluble glass It is relatively thick liquid. It is available in different dosages, depending on which changes and physico-chemical, mechanical, operational, and other properties of materials. Liquid glass - a chemically active substance capable of reacting with the elements of various shapes - solid to gas. The main properties - increased tackiness and viscosity. The tool can be quite a long time kept in securely closed containers since air entering the reaction takes place, so that it decomposes. The heating also leads to the disintegration with the release at the same amorphous silica.

Good to know!By subspecies waterglass relates normal school or a so-called stationery silicate adhesive. His consistency is slightly thinner than the material used in construction. It is often called - glue liquid glass.

Silicate glue are often treated surfaces before painting or gluing wallpaper, using it as an antiseptic. The substance has antibacterial properties which inhibit bacterial growth and kill old colony of microorganisms. The silicate solution when applied to wood, concrete or paper increases their fire-resistant and water-resistant qualities. Therefore it is used not only in construction but also in the artistic treatment of wood.

Waterglass is used in the production of materials for sealing of pipes, the installation of PVC and linoleum tiles, and tissue infiltration by the substance attaches to it the heat resistance and fire resistance. Suitable means for the restoration of objects made of porcelain and glass. These are just a few areas of application of liquid glass, detailed the scope of its use discussed below.

Widespread use of water glass in the construction

Given the high moisture resistance, adhesion, and a number of other fire resistance properties, the most often used in the construction of waterglass. The list of works is very wide, the main ones are as follows:

1. Painting and waterproofing of concrete foundations. For this purpose, sodium silicate is used in proportions of 1: 2 with water, wherein the two parts fall into the water. The solution was applied by brush in two coats, allowing time for complete drying of the previous layer.
2. Waterproofing of underground space - basements and ground floors. In order to impregnate inside basement rooms use waterglass solution with water in the ratio 1: 2, wherein multiple layers are applied.
3. The addition of sodium silicate in mortars - is the most common application field of liquid glass in the construction. Depending on the final result using different proportions, however classic recipe - 100 l of a mixture of 1 l of water glass.
4. Waterproofing of swimming pools. Liquid glass is deposited on the surface of the bowl, is polymerized to form a solid water-repellent shell. Apply two layers: the first - absorbable second - control. Flow rate is 0.5 liters per 1 m² of the material.
5. Water glass as a main component bactericidal grouting. Addition of the grouting material protects the joints between the tiles from the mold and fungi. The proportion of 1 part of potassium silicate in 3 parts grouting.
6. The use of cement and water glass as a component for the fast drying adhesive compound tiles, as well as a fixing agent for construction works.
7. The use of glue for fixing on the floor linoleum carpeting and provides reliable laying of flooring.

Use of waterglass in mortars

Liquid glass is consumed in construction in order to improve the qualitative characteristics of the concrete. Particularly expedient application means in cases where the assumed constant exposure to moisture on the structure of the cement. This prolongs the life of the construction operation, preventing its destruction.

Useful advice! Cooked their hands mixture of sand and cement with the addition of a silicate solution in pure form without water will have a high adhesion and quickly solidify. This composition is similar to the characteristics of alabaster.

Therefore, the use of sodium silicate in the slurry is particularly desirable for such types of works:

• construction of the foundation during the construction on the ground with the close proximity of groundwater;
• construction and upgrading of facilities arranged under the ground;
• furnace lining and masonry chimney moves outside the building;
• construction of premises with high humidity: the baths, basins, showers;
• creating decorative artificial reservoirs.

Also, when adding a silicate solution to the concrete makes it invulnerable by bacteria, mold and fungus. If the cement composition is used for the exterior, it is diluted with 10 percent water glass. The proportions of sand and cement is 1: 3.

Sodium silicate type is added to the concrete solutions for the purpose of waterproofing material. It is indispensable in the construction of the basement structures, and is used not only for flooring but also for drawing on the walls and ceiling. materials ratio in this case will be equal to 1:10.

Use of waterglass for waterproofing various objects

Liquid glass is used in virtually all areas. The most widely - in construction, and primarily - to impart or enhance waterproofing properties of different surfaces. The use of the material creates a hydraulic protection of foundations, basements, swimming pools. Therefore, his presence is expedient wherever supposed contact with water.

According to the instructions for use of water glass for building (in the preparation of a clear solution) diluted in water in a ratio of 1: 4. One of the drawbacks of coating glass - is the inability paint surface after application silicate solution since the smooth film formed on top, which simply do not hold paint materials. If you want to give a concrete waterproofing properties, then for this purpose should observe a ratio of 1: 8.

Liquid glass is treated with a wall of attic and basement. It requires noted that universal remedy can be applied both to the outer side of the object, and inside it. Using the composition provides protection from moisture wells walls. This type of work is carried out in two stages. First, a thin layer of pure sodium silicate, a subsequent layer of concrete is a mixture with the addition of waterglass.

Dosing water glass slightly different pool waterproofing. To this composition is applied to one, but a thick layer, it is possible and phased processing. This kind of work inside the building to prevent the destruction of the walls of the constant exposure to water. Processing outside to protect against the ingress of groundwater.

Related article:

Liquid concrete glass universality silicate mixture

Composition of the solution, the sphere of application, conditions of use. Drafting proportions. The cost of the mixture and customer reviews.

Purpose and scope of liquid glass in the other spheres of production

Construction - the main area of ​​application of liquid glass, but not the only one. This is evidenced by the examples below.

Useful advice!The sodium silicate solution very rapidly solidifies virtually instantly, so builders with experience recommend not adding it to the cement composition and use on finished as impregnation structures.

Applying adhesive waterglass widely and universally. The high degree of adhesion of the silicate solution can be used for bonding of various materials, including chipboard, thin sheets of particleboard, plywood, ceramics, cardboard.

With waterglass carried dedusting surface concrete floors in garages and other auxiliary facilities. Work carried out by impregnating the base with a mixture of water and water glass. The solution penetrates into the concrete of 3-4 mm in depth, which is polymerized to form a smooth surface on top, which is not destroyed. Thus, cement dust is not formed thereon.

The silicate adhesive used for waterproofing wood. Widely use waterglass wood. Agent is mixed with water and applied to the surface, where it forms a moisture barrier layer. The coating also prevents the penetration of air and insects.

Liquid glass is used in horticulture. Aqueous solution of this substance is treated sections of trees after cutting of branches. Thick airtight layer protects the plant from getting wound dangerous bacteria and prevents putrefaction process.

The silicate adhesive is used to create a hermetic coating plumbing. As sealant water glass is applied in the joints of water pipes and sewer. For this purpose, means are used in pure form.

Application of sodium silicate in the home, work and decor

Liquid glass helps to solve many economic problems that made it popular in the home. With the help remove scale, clean dishes, clean stains from clothes, bonded glass and ceramics, are used to protect the metal from corrosion. For example, for durability and protection against the effects of fire suits, and the curtain in the theater, as well as curtains in public places covered with liquid glass. Reviews housewives characterize it as a panacea in the fight against limescale and fumes. For example, the oldest pan can be returned to the original appearance. For this purpose, a simple recipe.

Liquid glass is dissolved in boiling water in a ratio 1:25 and refluxed in a solution of the pan 2 hour. Part soot will leave, and the remainder will be easily cleaned with a knife and a metal sponge. Force acts solution adding soda ash and soap. In this way, one can easily clean any dishes of metal, porcelain and glass. The duration of the digestion can be shortened to 10 minutes.

The use of sodium silicate in the decor enables you to create exquisite stained glass and mirror panels with mosaics. Besides the above, use silicate solutions to organize the feeding floors in the art design.

Useful advice! With silicate glue refurbish articles of earthenware and glass. In this case, it can not be used for bonding of utensils intended for cooking.

Actively used liquid glass in the works. With it you can easily glue a variety of materials: paper, cardboard, leather, fabric, rubber. Therefore, the material often is simply irreplaceable in needlework. Liquid glass - a great tool for enhancing shine and protect the surface creating a car. However, in this case, a special composition which is different from a conventional formula silicate adhesive.

Application Features: how to apply waterglass

Before applying the surface of the tools should be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, which can reduce absorbency. Processed silicate solution, the surface should dry for at least a day. According to the instructions for use water glass is applied in several layers, thus withdrawn is enough time to dry each layer. The surface treatment agent by analogy with thick paint - by means of a brush or roller. If you need to create a protective coating, the material is applied with a spatula for plaster.

All work must be sequentially according to the instruction. Liquid glass can be used alone, saving on paying for craftsmen services. First, the surface is required to thoroughly clean the stains, dust, dirt, old coatings. Next roller depositing a first layer means. Once it is dry, the surface coated with a second layer.

If it is intended application of the concrete with the addition of a solution of sodium silicate, it is prepared directly prior to use, as the mixture is quickly solidified. You need to have time to apply it for 20 minutes. Important strict observance of proportions. The slightest mistake can lead to the fact that the surface will crack and crumble.

During operation, it is necessary to wear protective clothing and use personal protective equipment. Upon completion of the process is required to thoroughly wash hands and tools, while the remnants of the material had not been dried.

Of Conformity. How much does a water glass?

Sodium water glass produced in accordance with GOST 13078-81. The document stipulates that the viscous substance is gray or yellow color without impurities, having the following characteristics:

• density of the material should be from 1.42 to 1.43 g / cm³;
• sodium oxide content of the concentrate is from 7.9 to 8.8%;
• the presence of calcium oxide should not exceed 0.2%;
• part of silicon dioxide is from 21 to 24%;
• silica modulus value equal to 3%;
• sulfuric anhydride content should not be higher than 0.15%;
• acceptable presence of iron and aluminum oxide - to 0.25%.

One of the advantages of the material - its affordable price. It is much cheaper than other synthetic adhesives and surface treatments. The value affects a number of factors, in particular the density, the module index and the number of purchased water glass. The solution is packed in special containers, which are tightly closed to prevent drying agent. Buy the material can be in any hardware store. If you need a small amount, it is recommended to buy a water glass in containers or in bulk.

Useful advice! Water glass, applied as an adhesive for linoleum will avoid the formation of fungus and mold under the coating. Such protection does not provide other adhesives, for example, Bustilat or PVA.

Popular manufacturers of liquid glass, material price

In the case where a large amount of planned works and assumed the use of liquid glass, the price is set, because you will need a lot of material. In this situation it is better to order it directly from a large manufacturer or supplier, saving on middlemen. The most popular breweries large enterprises "Kubanzheldormash", "Metterra", "Oksium" factory "Ivhimprom", "Contact", CJSC "Trading House" glass products ". It specializes in the production of liquid glass and small businesses, such as the company "silicate", "Alektich". The trading network is a substance represented not only in pure form but also as part of any impregnation and mixtures for finishing works.

Table of prices on the graduation a clear solution in accordance with GOST 13078-81:

Material Density, g / cm³	Module	cost of material in an amount less than a ton, rubles.	The cost of the material in the amount of from 1 to 10 tons rubles.	The cost of material over 10 tons rubles.
1,27-1,29	2,9	10 700	10 200	10 000
1,38-1,42	2,9	11 200	10 600	10 300
1,45-1,46	3	11 500	11 200	11 000
1,47-1,48	3,1	12 000	11 700	11 500

Thus, the greater the volume of purchased material, the lower the price. Liquid of high density glass has a significant value.

Production of liquid glass with their hands: step by step guide

their own hands to create a water glass is possible but troublesome. To this diluted pulverized silica and soda in water, then the solution was heated until a homogeneous mass. Another recipe involves mixing sand and soda in a ratio of 1: 4. The ingredients are mixed thoroughly triturated and heated to melting. The first option is not advantageous for the reason that cost more than the finished material. The second is simply inaccessible, since melted sand can only be done under special conditions.

Important! For applying concrete mortar with addition of water glass will require special skills, since the material is quickly solidified.

There are other ways of self-production of water-resistant coating, but chemical characteristics it would not be a silicate solution. Alternative conformal coating, e.g., for the treatment of motor vehicle headlamps, can be made in a few minutes. This will require a simple candle paraffin, white spirit, and ordinary float tank for mixing ingredients. manufacturing sequence is as follows:

1. Candle is ground on a grater.
2. Chips poured white spirit. Proportions of materials correspond to 1: 3, wherein one part of the three parts of paraffin and liquid. Do not make too thick solution.
3. Means applied to the surface.
4. The solution is rubbed with a soft tissue.

Applying such a coating can not only protect the car or other objects from moisture, but also to get rid of microcracks.

Thus, the material called liquid glass is indeed universal means, as used in various fields. Due to the wide application of a positive list of properties of the liquid glass will help solve a number of problems both at home and in construction. Its use will help ensure reliable hydro and thermal insulation of different objects, protect the surface against bacteria, mold and fungi.