Sodium silicate becomes ‘killer app’ for old engines

Sales of most chemicals are down due to the recession. But US sodium silicate volumes could see a massive boost, according to the Wall Street Journal. The reason is that the government has mandated its use to destroy the engines of the old cars that it buys under the subsidy scheme.
Normally ‘liquid glass’, as it is otherwise known, is used to repair leaking gaskets. But now, mechanics around the US are apparently queuing up for the chance to “kill” the engines. The blog was intrigued to learn that older engines take longer to die – 1988 Dodge vans take 6 minutes, but a 1999 Jeep takes only 2 minutes.