Product Introduction & Main Application
Arnico’s Sodium Metasilicate is a highly alkaline, white, granular compound formed by fusing silica sand with soda ash at high temperatures. It is primarily available in its pentahydrate form (Na₂SiO₃·5H₂O). This product is a champion cleaner and builder in institutional and industrial cleaning formulations. It provides superior alkalinity, suspends soil to prevent redeposition, neutralizes acidic soils, and functions as an excellent corrosion inhibitor for soft metals like aluminum and zinc.
2. Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Pentahydrate Granular (Penta) | Anhydrous Powder (Anh) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Na₂O Content | 28.5 – 30.5 | 49.5 – 51.5 | % |
| SiO₂ Content | 27.5 – 29.5 | 45.5 – 47.5 | % |
| Molar Ratio (SiO₂/Na₂O) | 1.0 ± 0.05 | 1.0 ± 0.05 | – |
| pH (1% Solution) | 12.5 – 13.2 | 12.8 – 13.5 | – |
| Water-Insoluble Matter | ≤ 0.2 | ≤ 0.5 | % |
| Bulk Density | 800 – 1000 | 600 – 800 | g/L |
3. Features & Benefits
Superior Degreasing Power: Provides exceptional emulsification of fats, oils, and greases (FOG) even in hard water, outperforming sodium hydroxide.
Phosphate-Free Builder: The ideal, environmentally compliant replacement for Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) in modern detergent formulations.
Multi-Metal Corrosion Inhibition: Uniquely protects sensitive metals like aluminum, copper, and zinc from caustic stress corrosion during the cleaning process.
High Buffering Capacity: Maintains a stable, high pH for an extended cleaning cycle, ensuring consistent efficacy from start to finish.
Anti-Redeposition Agent: Keeps removed soil particles suspended in the wash liquor, preventing them from settling back onto clean surfaces.
4. Industrial Applications
Industrial & Institutional Cleaning: Heavy-duty floor cleaners, machine parts washers, and tank degreasers.
Automatic Dishwashing (ADW): A core builder in commercial and household dishwashing tablets and powders.
Metal Surface Treatment: An ideal cleaner for prepping aluminum, steel, and alloys before painting, anodizing, or electroplating.
Textile Processing: A peroxide stabilizer and scouring aid in fabric preparation and bleaching.
5. Safety & Handling
MSDS: This product is an irritating, corrosive alkaline solid. The full MSDS is available from Arnico.
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption and caking.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Dust is extremely irritating to the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. Use of a full-face respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, and protective clothing is mandatory.
6. Quality Assurance & COA
Arnico provides a complete Certificate of Analysis (COA) for Sodium Metasilicate, including Na₂O and SiO₂ percentages and the molar ratio, ensuring your formulation’s critical alkalinity balance is consistent.
