Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: eric2011 on 26/09/2022 17:11:10

Title: What is easiest way to make water glass from sand?
Post by: eric2011 on 26/09/2022 17:11:10

Hi guyz. As the heading explains itself I want to make sodium silicate water glass that colorless or brownish liquid from normal ordinary sand but I cant find any good video online. Many videos use silica gel. Does anybody has an idea how to make water glass from sand at home?

Title: Re: What is easiest way to make water glass from sand?
Post by: Origin on 26/09/2022 18:54:31

I don't think there is a safe way.  To break down the silica sand you would need Hf or concentrated hot NaOH.

Title: Re: What is easiest way to make water glass from sand?
Post by: Bored chemist on 26/09/2022 20:41:07

If you can  find videos about making glass from sand, the process is essentially the same, you just add more soda.
It's not going to be easy.

Title: Re: What is easiest way to make water glass from sand?
Post by: paul cotter on 27/09/2022 14:40:34

I once tried melting sodium carbonate in a quartz crucible at~800°c. Bad mistake, once molten it tore my crucible apart with vigorous bubbling( c02 ). Sodium hydroxide will do the same at~300°c. Do not attempt such highly dangerous procedures unless one is very experienced in technochemistry and is equipped with a comprehensive set of protective equipment.

Title: Re: What is easiest way to make water glass from sand?
Post by: Niko43Gold on 05/10/2022 15:06:03

I think you have a lot of free time but still don't try this

Title: Re: What is easiest way to make water glass from sand?
Post by: Zlatagor on 23/03/2023 09:50:32

You can make sodium silicate water glass by heating sand in a pot until it is white hot and then adding lye or sodium hydroxide. This will create a reaction that will produce a glassy substance that can be cooled and hardened. You may need to add more lye or sodium hydroxide to get the desired consistency.

Title: Re: What is easiest way to make water glass from sand?
Post by: Zer0 on 24/03/2023 20:42:59

!!!vaara!!!

Title: Re: What is easiest way to make water glass from sand?
Post by: paul cotter on 29/03/2023 18:53:38

Adding sodium hydroxide to white hot sand is a recipe for instant death or at least major mutilation. Simple formulae seen in a chemistry book do not translate to real world processes without the necessary conditions and precautions.

Title: Re: What is easiest way to make water glass from sand?
Post by: Bored chemist on 29/03/2023 20:13:47

Quote from: Zlatagor on 23/03/2023 09:50:32

You can make sodium silicate water glass by heating sand in a pot until it is white hot and then adding lye or sodium hydroxide. This will create a reaction that will produce a glassy substance

It will also produce superheated steam which will blow stuff around.