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Silica
Amorphous silica is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up 59% of the Earth's crust and is a major compound in most of the rocks.
It occurs in various forms such as quartz, granite and sand, it is also found naturally in the tissues of the human body.
Silica - Molecular formula SiO2 can be used as a matting agent, anti-caking aid, polishing agent as an abrasive and many other applications.
Depending on the method of production, there are different forms of synthetic silica; fuming, colloidal, precipitated and silica gel.
Each form has its own advantages depending on particle size, specific surface area, degree of hardness and other parameters.
"Mineralcommerce" AD produces precipitated silica. In its end-form, silica appears as a fine white powder.
It is used in the following industries:
In the rubber industry, it is used as a medium or strong strengthening substance.
It is used in the production of coatings, belts, hoses, sealing and sealing materials, textile and industrial rubber products, plastics.
Food industry, it is added to many foods and supplements due to its anti-caking characteristics. Added to the product, silica adsorbs a significant amount of moisture, keeping the product dry. Prevents the effect of moisture on the taste and the scent of the food.
It is widely used as a fluidizer and thickener and improves the texture of certain foods.
Silica is used in the production of spices, flour and granulated sugar. In ready-made food products as an additive, you will find it as food emulsifier E 551.
Cosmetic industry and personal care products:
In the cosmetics industry, silica is used for a variety of purposes, including:
It is used as an absorbent of excess fat and has a matting effect on the skin.
It is used as a filler to improve the texture and consistency of cosmetic products.
Silica is a mild abrasive added to some personal care products such as toothpastes and scrubs. Helps remove surface blemishes and dead skin cells.
In personal care products, it prevents powders from sticking together and keeps them flowable. It is also used as a thickener in cosmetics, increasing the viscosity of products and providing a smooth, creamy texture.
Agricultural sector:
Silica is added to soil as a structure and water-holding capacity improver. Reduces soil compaction and improves aeration.
Supports plant growth.
Silica is thought to improve crop health and growth by improving the structural strength of plant cells, increasing resistance to damage from environmental stresses such as drought and disease.
This makes it a valuable component in fertilizer production. Increases yields in some agricultural applications, especially crops susceptible to silica deficiency, such as rice and sugarcane.
Silica has insecticidal properties and is used in some agricultural applications as a natural alternative to synthetic insecticides.
Construction industry:
Silica is an important component in the production of various building materials such as cement, ceramics and glass.
It is used to produce window glass, bottle glass and fiberglass and various glass products. It is used in the production of ceramics, tiles, bricks and refractory materials. The chemical stability of silicon dioxide as well as the high melting temperature make it an indispensable component in the production of ceramics.
Silica is an important ingredient in Portland cement, which is the most widely used type of cement in the world. Portland cement is a mixture of silica, alumina, iron oxide and calcium oxide. Forms a solid material when heated.
Its low thermal expansion and high thermal stability make it an ideal component of building materials that must withstand heat, weathering and other environmental factors.
Plastic industry:
Silica improves the physical and mechanical properties of plastics. It is used in the production of thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics and elastomers to improve hardness, dimensional stability and heat resistance.
It is used as in the production of polypropylene and polyethylene, thermoactive materials such as epoxy resins used in coatings, adhesives and composites. Silica provides reinforcement, improves the hardness and wear resistance of the material and increases its dimensional stability.
Silica is used as a filler in elastomers such as silicone rubber to improve its mechanical and electrical properties. Silica provides reinforcement and improves the hardness, dimensional stability and thermal resistance of the material.
It helps reduce the amount of polymer required for an application, which can lead to cost savings, improved processing efficiency and reduced environmental impact. In addition, silica is a non-toxic, chemically stable material that is compatible with most plastics.
Paint production:
In the paint industry, silica is used as a filler and thickener to improve the physical and mechanical properties of the paint. It is added to both water-based and solvent-based paints. The addition of silica to the paint increases its hardness, durability and abrasion resistance. This makes it ideal for use in high traffic areas or areas subject to weathering and abrasion.
The silica acts as a leveling agent, helping the paint spread evenly and reducing the formation of brush marks or other surface imperfections.
Increases the shine and vibrancy of the paint, providing a smooth, shiny surface. The addition of silica helps increase the heat resistance of the paint.
In addition to its other characteristics, silica is a non-toxic, chemically stable material compatible with most paint systems, making it an ideal ingredient in paint products.
It helps reduce the amount of resin required for an application, resulting in cost savings, improved processing efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Electronics Industry:
In the electronics industry, silicon dioxide finds various applications, such as in microelectronics where it is used to manufacture integrated circuits.
It is an ideal starting material for the production of semiconductor devices because of its crystalline structure and high purity. High transparency and low refractive index make silicon an essential component in manufacturing optical communication systems for transmitting light signals over long distances.
Energy sector:
Silicon is a key component of many types of solar panels, including monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon solar panels.
Silicon is used as a component in the manufacture of some types of lithium-ion batteries, helping to ensure long-term performance and stability.
It is used as a material in the production of fuel cells, which convert the chemical energy obtained from hydrogen fuel into electrical energy.
It is also a material in the production of thermal insulation for buildings and industrial facilities. Thanks to its good insulating properties, Silica helps to cut costs by reducing energy consumption.
Water purification:
Silica is used as a filter media in water treatment systems to remove impurities such as suspended solids, particles and microorganisms from water. Silicon is used as a regulator to maintain a neutral pH in the treated water. This is important for improving the taste and quality of treated water.
It is used in ion exchange systems to soften water by removing solid ions such as calcium and magnesium that can cause calcification and corrosion in pipes and fittings.