Neutral is the generic name for a series of compounds derived from soluble sodium silicate glasses. They are water solutions of sodium oxide (Na2O) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) combined in various ratios. Varying the proportions of SiO2 to Na2O and the solids content results in solutions with differing properties that have many diversified industrial applications.
Sodium silicate Neutral glass is made by fusing high purity silica sand and soda ash in open hearth furnaces at 1300°C/2400°F. The molten glass is cooled, fractured, and charged into vessels where it is dissolved under pressure by hot water and steam. The various grades of liquid sodium silicate are produced by varying the alkali/silica ratio and the solids content.
| Chemical Compound | Neutral Grade | ||
| Type | 30 Baume | 32 Baume | 40 Baume |
| Na2O | 6.3% + 0.5% | 6.8% + 0.5% | 8.6% + 0.5% |
| SiO2 | 20.8% + 1.0% | 22.4% + 1.0% | 28.4% + 1.0% |
| Total Solid | 27.1% + 1.0% | 29.2% + 1.0% | 37.0% + 1.0% |
| Ratio | 1:3.30(Wt Ratio) + 0.1 | 1:3.30(Wt Ratio) + 0.1 | 1:3.30(Wt Ratio) + 0.1 |
| Baume(Degree) | 30 + 0.5 | 32 + 1.0 | 40 + 1.0 |
| Sp. Gravity | 1.260 + 0.02 | 1.285 + 0.02 | 1.380 + 0.02 |
