As a functional detergent additive, layered sodium silicate composites (LSSC), thanks to its unique layered crystal structure and chemical properties, offer significant advantages in replacing traditional detergent additives (such as sodium tripolyphosphate and 4A zeolite), improving detergent performance, and meeting environmental requirements. These advantages can be analyzed from the following key perspectives:
1. Excellent calcium and magnesium ion chelation and dispersion capabilities, enhancing hard water softening.
During the washing process, calcium and magnesium (hard water ions) in water combine with surfactants to form "soap scum," which not only reduces washing efficiency but also forms residue on clothing and dishware. The highly active sodium ions (Na⁺) in the layered structure of layered sodium silicate rapidly bind to calcium and magnesium salts through ion exchange, securing them in the interlayer spaces. Furthermore, the layered structure can be exfoliated into nanoscale flakes, which disperse and encapsulate the chelated calcium and magnesium salts, preventing their redeposition.
Compared to traditional detergents: Compared to 4A zeolite, layered sodium silicate has a faster ion exchange rate (approximately 2-3 times that of 4A zeolite) and a higher Ca²⁺ chelating capacity (up to 300-400mg CaCO₃/g, far exceeding 4A zeolite's 200-250mg CaCO₃/g). Compared to sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), while its chelating capacity is slightly lower, it poses no risk of phosphorus emissions, making it more environmentally friendly.
Actual Results: Using detergents containing this detergent in hard water areas can reduce soap scum formation, leaving clothes softer and less gray after washing, and leaving dishes free of watermarks.
2. Excellent pH buffering and alkalinity adjustment capabilities enhance stain removal efficiency.
An alkaline environment (pH 9-11) in the washing system is crucial for removing acidic stains such as oil and sweat. Layered composite sodium silicate exhibits stable alkalinity release properties: the hydroxyl (-OH) groups and silyl (Si-O) bonds between its layers slowly release OH⁻, maintaining the detergent within an optimal alkaline range and preventing sudden pH fluctuations. (Traditional soda ash, while highly alkaline, suffers from large pH fluctuations and can damage clothing fibers.)
Advantages:
It provides an optimal pH environment for surfactants (such as LAS and AES), enhancing their ability to emulsify oils and hydrolyze protein stains.
It directly neutralizes acidic stains (such as lactic acid in sweat and fatty acids that cause yellowing in clothing), aiding in stain removal.
It prevents strong alkalinity from corrosively affecting protein fibers such as wool and silk, broadening the range of fabrics suitable for detergents.
3. Excellent anti-redeposition properties prevent secondary dirt attachment.
During laundry, if dirt that has detached from the fabric is not stably dispersed, it tends to reattach to the surface of the garment, resulting in "getting dirtier with each wash." The layered flakes of layered sodium silicate have a high specific surface area (up to 200-300 m²/g) and a negative surface charge. Through electrostatic attraction, they trap dirt particles (such as dust, carbon black, and grease) between the flakes, forming a stable dispersion system and preventing them from contacting the fiber surface.
Comparative Advantages: Compared to traditional dispersants (such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), layered sodium silicate offers longer-lasting dispersibility, particularly improving anti-redeposition effectiveness on oily soils by approximately 30%. This results in improved whiteness retention after washing (whiteness decay is less than 5% after multiple washes, compared to over 15% for detergents without this additive).
4. Phosphorus-free and environmentally friendly, complying with global detergent industry regulations.
Traditional phosphorus-containing detergents (such as STPP as an additive) can cause eutrophication in water bodies, leading to environmental problems such as algal blooms and red tides. Currently, most countries and regions around the world (such as the EU, China, and the US) have implemented phosphorus restriction/ban regulations (China stipulates that the phosphorus content in detergents must be ≤ 0.5%).
Layered sodium silicate is a phosphorus-free additive that releases no phosphorus into water bodies, fully complying with environmental regulations. Furthermore, it is highly biodegradable (gradually decomposing into sodium silicate in natural waters without toxic residues) and highly safe for aquatic life (acute toxicity LD₅₀ > 1000 mg/kg, making it a low-toxic substance).
5. High compatibility with other detergent ingredients, enabling easy compounding and strong stability.
Detergents are multi-component systems (surfactants, enzymes, bleach, fragrances, etc.). The compatibility of additives directly impacts product stability and shelf life. Layered sodium silicate is chemically inert:
It does not react with anionic surfactants (LAS, AES) or nonionic surfactants (AEO), and does not affect the activity of these surfactants.
It does not destabilize enzymes such as proteases and lipases (compared to 4A zeolite, its pH buffering capacity reduces enzyme inactivation due to pH fluctuations, increasing enzyme retention by 15%-20%).
When used with bleaching agents (such as sodium percarbonate), it does not accelerate their decomposition, extending the shelf life of the product (bleaching activity retention >90% after 6 months of storage at room temperature).
6. Low Cost and Easy Processing Lower the Barrier to Entry
Production: Layered composite sodium silicate can be prepared through hydrothermal synthesis of sodium silicate and an alkaline metal salt (such as sodium chloride). The raw materials are readily available (sodium silicate is a common industrial raw material), the production process is simple (no high-temperature calcination is required, and energy consumption is lower than 4A zeolite), and the cost is only 80%-90% of 4A zeolite.
Application: The powder has excellent flowability (bulk density 1.2-1.4 g/cm³), making it easy to mix evenly with other powder ingredients without the risk of agglomeration. When formulated into liquid detergents, it can be stably dispersed (no settling or separation), eliminating the need for additional suspending agents. Summary: The Core Value Positioning of Layered Composite Sodium Silicate
With the laundry industry trending toward "phosphate-free, high-efficiency, and environmentally friendly," layered composite sodium silicate, with its combined advantages of "hard water softening + enhanced stain removal + environmental compliance + low cost," has become an ideal alternative to traditional phosphorus-based additives and 4A zeolite. It is widely used in laundry detergents, liquid laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, and heavy-duty industrial cleaners, and is particularly suitable for markets with hard water conditions and stringent environmental requirements.
Post time: Sep-02-2025