Addition of sodium silicate to soap was first patented by the chemical manufacturer, William Gossage, in April 1850. This compound is still widely used in detergents for domestic and industrial use. The advantages of sodium silicate in detergents are as follows:
▪ Sodium silicate increases the emulsifying power of detergents and helps to remove greasy stains.
▪ The alkalinity of sodium silicate enables them to control the changes in pH.
▪ Sodium silicate is capable of precipitating calcium and magnesium present in water, and thus reduces hardness of water.