Chemical Formula: Na₂SiO₃·5H₂O
Physical Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules. Highly soluble in water, gives strongly alkaline (pH ~12–13 in 1% solution) solutions.
Applications: Used in heavy duty detergents and industrial cleaners with its strong cleaning, dispersing and emulsifying ability. It is an excellent builder for ceramic and construction adhesives. It is a corrosion inhibitor and used in metal descaling and cleaning.