What is the difference between sodium silicate (water glass) and silica gel?

Silica gel consists of dense SiO2 amorphous particles. The constituents of these particles are randomly distributed [SiO4]-tetrahedra. This random distribution makes amorphous silica different from crystalline silica (molecular-level order). Sodium silicate is an alkaline solution with a pH between 12-13, while silica gel is 9-11. Sodium silicate is also composed of silicate monomers, while silicate gels are composed of polymeric silicates. The composition SiO2/Na2O ratio of sodium silicate is about 3.4, while the SiO2/Na2O ratio of silica gel is usually greater than 50. Finally, sodium silicate has a much higher viscosity - closer to the viscosity of syrup, while silica gel has a viscosity closer to that of water.

Potassium Type Series Colloidal Silica/Silica Sol

Colloidal silica/Silica sol is a kind of colloid which is formed by nm-grade particles SiO2, dispersed in water. It is odorless, tasteless and nontoxic and its chemical molecular formula is mSiO2·nH2O.

1. The colloid particles are minute, and the particle size can be controlled according to customers' requirements.

2. Colloidal silica/Silica sol has relatively large specific surface area, and high heat-resisting performance (1500-1600"C).

3. With low viscosity, it can soak the places where water soaks; therefore, it presents excellent dispersion and permeability.

4. When the moisture contained in silica sol is evaporated, the colloid grains firmly adhere to the material surface and the combination of silicon and oxygen is then formed between grains. It is a good adhesive.

Product application: coating, refractory industries, investment casting, polishing etc.