Lithium Silicate, Lithium Metasilicate, Lithium Dismetasilicate, Lithium Orthosilicate, 10102-24-6

LITHIUM SILICATE (Li₂SiO₃)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

    Lithium Silicate (Li₂SiO₃)
    
          O
          ||
    Li⁺ — O—Si—O⁻ — Li⁺
          |
          O⁻

    Lithium Metasilicate
    (Li₂SiO₃)

Molecular Formula (Metasilicate): Li₂SiO₃
Molecular Formula (Dismetasilicate): Li₂Si₂O₅
Molecular Formula (Orthosilicate): Li₄SiO₄
SMILES (Metasilicate): [Li+].[Li+].[O-]Si[O-]
Crystal System: Orthorhombic (Metasilicate)

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 4: SILICATE TYPES COMPARISON

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Fusion of Lithium Carbonate with Silica (Solid Form)

• Reaction: Li₂CO₃ + SiO₂ → Li₂SiO₃ + CO₂ (at high temperature)

• Description: Lithium carbonate and silica are fused at high temperatures (1,000-1,200°C); Lithium metasilicate is formed; Carbon dioxide is released as a by-product; Solid lithium silicate is obtained

Method 2: Hydrothermal Reaction (Liquid Form)

• Process: Lithium hydroxide + Silica → Lithium silicate solution

• Description: Lithium hydroxide is reacted with silica under hydrothermal conditions; Lithium silicate solution is obtained; Concentration adjusted to desired SiO₂:Li₂O ratio

Method 3: Ion Exchange from Sodium Silicate

• Process: Sodium silicate + Lithium salt → Lithium silicate

• Description: Sodium silicate solution is passed through lithium ion exchange resin; Sodium ions are exchanged with lithium ions; Lithium silicate solution is obtained

Method 4: Direct Reaction of Lithium Hydroxide with Silicic Acid

• Reaction: 2LiOH + H₂SiO₃ → Li₂SiO₃ + 2H₂O

• Description: Lithium hydroxide is reacted with silicic acid; Lithium metasilicate is formed; Evaporation yields solid product

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (LITHIUM SILICATE SOLUTION)

Lithium Silicate Solid (Powder) Specifications

SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 10: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (Compliant with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 11: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 12: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 13: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 14: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 15: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 16: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 17: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 18: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 19: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 20: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Causes skin irritation (H315). Avoid skin contact. Use protective gloves.

• Causes serious eye irritation (H319). Use eye protection.

• May cause respiratory irritation (H335). Avoid inhalation of mist.

• Alkaline (pH ~11-12). Handle with care; Avoid contact with acids.

• Lower alkalinity than sodium/potassium silicates but still irritating.

• Protect from freezing. Store above 5°C to prevent precipitation.

• Reacts with acids. Forms silica gel when neutralized.

• Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong acids, aluminum, zinc, and magnesium.

• Non-combustible. Does not burn.

• Dries to form hard, insoluble film. Clean equipment immediately after use.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Concrete Surface Treatment: Use as concrete hardener/densifier; Penetrates and reacts with calcium hydroxide; Reduces dusting and abrasion; Apply on clean, dry surfaces; Multiple coats may be required; Lower alkalinity reduces efflorescence.

• Refractory Applications: Use as binder in high-temperature refractories; Provides thermal stability up to 1,200°C; Mix with refractory aggregates; Forms strong bonds at high temperatures.

• Ceramics: Use as binder and additive in ceramic production; Improves green strength; Reduces firing temperature; Enhances mechanical properties.

• Coatings and Paints: Use as film former and binder; Forms hard, glass-like insoluble films; Provides protective coating; Improves surface durability.

• Battery Industry: Use as binder in lithium-ion battery electrodes; Provides good adhesion; Stable under electrochemical conditions; Improves battery performance.

• Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and appropriate respiratory protection; Avoid mist formation.

• Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles, protective clothing, NIOSH-approved respirator (if mist).

• Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed containers; Protect from freezing (store above 5°C); Avoid contact with acids; Use HDPE or stainless steel containers.

• Spill Response: Contain spill; Absorb with inert material; Place in closed containers; Do not allow to enter drains or waterways.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations.

SPECIAL NOTE ON LOW EFFLORESCENCE:

Lithium silicate offers significant advantages over sodium and potassium silicates:

• Efflorescence: Lower salt migration → less efflorescence

• Aesthetic: Better surface appearance

• Durability: More permanent surface treatment

• Mechanism: Lithium ions form smaller, less mobile silicate structures

• Application: Preferred for architectural concrete, decorative concrete, and high-quality surfaces

SPECIAL NOTE ON CONCRETE HARDENING:

Lithium silicate hardens concrete surfaces through chemical reaction:

• Reaction: Li₂SiO₃ + Ca(OH)₂ → CaSiO₃ (CSH) + 2LiOH

• Process: Penetrates concrete pores

• Result: Denser, harder, more durable surface

• Benefits: Reduced dusting; Increased abrasion resistance; Improved chemical resistance; Low efflorescence

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, this document does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.