Potassium silicate

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Potassium silicate is a water-soluble silicate salt that is commonly used as an adhesive in welding rods.

Although seemingly obscure today, this useful compound has been in use for at least a century, and is mentioned in the book Handy Farm Devices and How to Make Them by Rolfe Cobleigh Associate Editor American Agriculturist

Illustrated New York Orange Judd Company 1910 Copyright, 1909, by Orange Judd Company

In section 10. Worth Knowing (part II) To Render Wood Fireproof " Rendering the woodwork of houses secure against catching fire can be done at an insignificant cost, and with little trouble. Saturate the woodwork with a very delicate solution of silicate of potash as nearly neutral as possible, and when this has dried, apply one or two coats of a stronger solution.

Another method is simply to soak the wood with a concentrated solution of rock salt. Water-glass will act as well, but it is expensive. The salt also renders the wood proof against dry rot and the ravages of insects. Still another method is to immerse the wood in a saturated solution of borax, heat being gradually applied until the solution reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit. It is then left for 10 or 12 hours, according to the nature and size of the wood. " The entire book is available online here:[ http://www.journeytoforever.org/farm_library/device/devicesToC.html]

Formula is K2O8S2