Potassium silicate

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

This compound has been in use for at least a century. It 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; © 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."

The entire book is available online here:[ http://www.journeytoforever.org/farm_library/device/devicesToC.html]

In horticulture, potassium silicate is used as a soluble source of potassium and silicon. It also makes the growing medium more alkaline.

Some cleaning formulations use potassium silicate, which also serves as a corrosion inhibitor in cosmetics.[1]

Formula is K₂SiO₃.

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