Sodium silicate, often referred to as liquid glass, is a versatile inorganic chemical compound with a wide range of industrial applications. It is a colorless, viscous liquid that solidifies when exposed to air or heat. Sodium silicate is used as a binding agent in industries such as construction, where it binds together particles in cement and refractory materials, and in the automotive sector for manufacturing brake linings and foundry molds. It also finds use in detergents and soaps as a corrosion inhibitor and emulsifying agent, and in water treatment processes to control pH levels and precipitate impurities. The varied properties and applications of sodium silicate make it a valuable component in several industries.