1. Construction

• Surface Hardener: It's used as a surface hardener for concrete floors and pavements. Potassium silicate forms a protective layer that increases abrasion resistance and reduces dusting.
• Acid-Resistant Materials: Potassium silicate is used in the production of acid-resistant bricks and linings for industrial applications. When reacted with acids, it forms free silica, which provides resistance to most acids (except hydrofluoric acid) and reduces porosity.
• Geopolymer Activator: Potassium silicate is a promising activator for high-volume fly ash materials in geopolymer production. It enhances the reactivity of components, lowers the setting time, and improves compressive strength, making it a viable alternative to traditional cement.

2. Paints, Coatings & Adhesives

• Binder: Potassium silicate acts as a binder, chemically bonding the paint components and the surface it's applied to.
• Durability and Longevity: The chemical bond formed between the potassium silicate and the mineral surface creates a coating that is highly durable and resists peeling, fading, and moisture damage.
• Breathability: Potassium silicate paints are breathable, allowing surfaces to release trapped moisture, which is beneficial for applications like historic buildings.
• Adhesive Properties: Potassium silicate acts as a binder and adhesive, particularly in the production of refractory materials and foundry molds.
• Admixture in Coatings: It's used as an admixture in coatings, paints, and sealants, improving their durability, adhesion, and resistance to environmental conditions.

3. Agrochemicals

• Silicon based foliar spray: Potassium silicate is used in agrochemicals as a silicon-based foliar spray to enhance plant health and resilience. It provides both potassium and silicon, improving nutrient uptake, strengthening cell walls, and boosting resistance to pathogens and abiotic stresses like drought and salinity. 

4. Cleaning & Disinfectants

• Builder in Detergents: Potassium silicate, especially in its liquid form, is a common ingredient in detergents. It helps to neutralize the hardness of water, which can interfere with the cleaning action of soap and detergents.
• Corrosion Inhibitor: Potassium silicate acts as a protective layer on metal surfaces, preventing corrosion, making it suitable for use in cleaning products that come into contact with metals.
• Enhanced Cleaning Power: Potassium silicate increases the cleaning action of soaps and detergents by acting as a surfactant, allowing them to interact more effectively with oil and grease.

5. Fabric solutions

• Dye Fixation: In the dyeing process, potassium silicate is often added to the dyebath as an alkaline donor. This helps the dye to bond permanently with the fabric fibers, ensuring that the color is not easily washed out or faded.
• Cleaning and Scouring: Potassium silicate is used in textile cleaning and scouring operations, acting as an alkaline agent to remove dirt, grease, and other impurities from the fabric.
• Flame Retardancy: Potassium silicate is applied to fabrics as a flame retardant, making them more resistant to burning or spreading fire. This is a common way to improve the safety of textiles, especially in applications like curtains, clothing, and upholstery.

6. Pulp & Paper solutions

• Binders and Adhesives: Potassium silicate acts as a binder in various applications, including paperboard and cardboard production.
• Mica Paper: Potassium silicate is used in the preparation of mica paper to enhance its tensile strength and moisture resistance.