What is lithium silicate and what are the uses of lithium silicate?

Lithium silicate, also known as lithium water glass, is a compound formed by combining metallic lithium with a silicate structure. The molecular formula is: Li2SiO3. Lithium silicate is an odorless, tasteless, transparent liquid with a pH value of around 11, which is alkaline. Soluble in water and alkaline solutions, but insoluble in alcohol and organic solvents.

Lithium silicate, like sodium silicate and potassium silicate, reacts with acid to form a gel. It has self-drying properties. After the water in the solution evaporates, it can form a dry film that is insoluble in water. It is water-irreversible, so the waterproof effect is particularly obvious.

Lithium silicate is widely used in inorganic zinc-rich paints to replace sodium silicate to achieve better water and moisture resistance. Inorganic zinc-rich paints are widely used in offshore engineering, oil pipelines, ships, bridges, architectural coatings and building materials coatings.

Secondly, lithium silicate can be used as an adhesive and can be used on wood, paper, plastic, glass, metal, concrete, bricks, asbestos, etc.