Sodium silicate is commonly known as water glass. It can be divided into different grades according to indicators such as modulus (molar ratio of silicon dioxide to sodium oxide). The role of different grades of sodium silicate in soap production is mainly different as follows:
The impact on soap hardness
Low modulus sodium silicate: The modulus is usually between 2.0 and 2.5. It can form a relatively weak cross-linking structure with ingredients such as fatty acids in soap, making the hardness of the soap relatively low. In some soap formulas that require a soft texture, low modulus sodium silicate can help adjust the hardness of the soap, making it easier to process and shape, and easier to rub out foam when using it, giving consumers a gentler use experience. For example, some baby soaps for sensitive skin may use low modulus sodium silicate to control the hardness.
High modulus sodium silicate: The modulus is generally between 3.0 and 3.5 or even higher. It will form a tighter and stronger network structure in the soap, which can significantly improve the hardness and mechanical strength of the soap. When producing some durable soaps, such as industrial soaps or soaps that need to be stored and used for a long time, high modulus sodium silicate is a better choice, which can keep the soap in shape during long-term use and is not easy to deform or break.
Impact on the detergency of soap
Low modulus sodium silicate: It has a certain detergent effect and can help the surfactants in the soap to disperse better in the water, but relatively speaking, its ability to chelate and disperse dirt is limited. In some soaps that focus on mild cleansing, low modulus sodium silicate can assist surfactants in removing grease and light dirt on the skin surface, while not over-cleaning and causing dry skin.
High modulus sodium silicate: It has a stronger chelating ability for metal ions such as calcium and magnesium, which can effectively reduce the hardness of water and make the surfactants in the soap play a better detergency effect. It can complex the metal ions in the water to prevent them from forming insoluble calcium soap or magnesium soap with the fatty acids in the soap, thereby improving the detergency of the soap in hard water. It is suitable for soaps used in areas with hard water.
Impact on Soap Stability
Low modulus sodium silicate: It plays a certain stabilizing role in soap and can help maintain the organizational structure of soap, but its ability to prevent soap from rancidity and oxidation is relatively weak. For some soap products with a short shelf life and focus on immediate use effects, the stability of low modulus sodium silicate can meet basic needs.
High modulus sodium silicate: It can form a denser protective film on the surface of soap, effectively preventing oxygen and moisture in the air from contacting the internal components of soap, thereby enhancing the antioxidant and anti-acidity capabilities of soap and extending the shelf life of soap. When producing high-end soaps or soaps that need to be stored and transported for a long time, high modulus sodium silicate helps to maintain the quality and performance of soap.
Impact on the appearance and transparency of soap
Low modulus sodium silicate: It helps to make soap have a certain translucency, making the appearance of soap look softer and more delicate. Some handmade soaps or beauty soaps that pursue a natural and gentle appearance may use low modulus sodium silicate to achieve the ideal appearance effect.
High modulus sodium silicate: If the dosage is properly controlled, it can improve the transparency of the soap, make the soap look more crystal clear, and improve the appearance quality of the soap. However, if the dosage is too much, it may cause the soap to become too hard and brittle, affecting its performance.
Post time: Feb-22-2025