(Solid) Weight ratio Si O
2
:K
2
O varies
with grade from 2.1:1 to 2.5:1; colorless anhydrous
lump, shattered or granular. Soluble in water at
high temperature and pressure; insoluble in alco-
hol. (Solution) Colorless liquid, B′e range 29–48
degrees.
As binder (e.g., in carbon electrodes, lead pencils, protective coatings, insoluble pigments); detergent, in glass and ceramics manufacture.
Potassium silicate is used in binders, carbon electrodes, lead pencils, protective coatings, insoluble pigments, phosphors on television tubes and detergent additives. It acts as a catalyst to make glass, ceramics, welding rods, adhesives, cements, gels, paints, pulp and paper production. Further, it is used in horticulture as a soluble source of potassium and silicon. It acts as a corrosion inhibitor.
