Precipitated Silica
Precipitated silica, a form of synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide, is derived from quartz sand, a crystalline form of silicon dioxide. The physical properties of precipitated silica can be manipulated during the manufacturing process to deliver products with a wide range of performance-enhancing features engineered for many different end-use applications.
How it’s produced
Sodium silicate solution (water glass) and mineral acid are reacted in an agitated vessel to produce a slurry of amorphous silica particles. The critical physical properties of precipitated silica, such as particle size and porosity, are controlled during this stage of the process by manipulating, among other things, the composition, concentration, and ratio of reactants in the precipitating solution; the speed of agitation; the reaction time; and the reaction temperature.
he precipitated silica slurry is then concentrated to form a filter cake. The product filter cake is washed to remove the salt byproduct that is produced during precipitation.
The silica filter cake is then dried to the desired final product moisture content.
The dried silica is then finished to achieve the desired final product form. This can include: agglomeration or compaction into a low-dust form, or milling and classification to the required particle size distribution.
Precipitated Silica Performance and Functionality
Precipitated silica is an extremely versatile material, with properties that can be manipulated during the manufacturing process to deliver products with a wide range of performance-enhancing properties engineered for many end-use applications, including:
- Reinforcing Fillers for Tires
- Reinforcing Fillers for Rubber
- Free-Flow, Anti-Caking and Carrying Agents for Food, Agriculture and Industry
- Flatting Agents for Paints, Coatings and Inks
- Thickening Agents for Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants and Other Engineered Materials
- Microporous Fillers for Battery Separators
