Precipitated Silica
Silica is a versatile material that is used in many industries because of its various properties that are due to its precipitation. Produced by the precipitation of silica from a solution it is a fine white powder widely used in rubber, plastics, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other industries. In Sudarshan Minerals, we offer precisely what is required for each distinct application – precipitated silica of the highest quality and reliability.
Product Description
Precipitated silica is manufactured by the precipitation of silicon dioxide (SiO2) from a solution containing sodium silicate. The final product is a fine, amorphous, white powder with numerous uses due to such parameters as high surface area, porosity, and chemical stability. The properties of precipitated silica can be controlled at the time of synthesis and therefore the product can be used in a wide range of applications.
Main Characteristics of Precipitated Silica:
High Purity
Silica gel is mainly made up of silicon dioxide and is highly pure to meet the common uses of its consumers. Sudarshan Minerals therefore places a high emphasis on the purity of our product to meet the quality standards of many industries.
Amorphous Structure
While crystalline silica has a very orderly arrangement of atoms, precipitated silica is amorphous and is therefore safer to use in products like rubber, plastics, and coatings. It is also non-crystalline and hence does not present the hazards of silicosis, which is a lung disease arising from inhaling fine crystalline silica dust.
Chemical Inertness
A key characteristic of precipitated silica is its low reactivity, which is a real advantage in many applications. It is relatively inert and does not combine with many compounds, providing excellent stability and performance in uses that demand toughness and resistance to breakdown.
Customizable Particle Size
Precipitated silica can be manufactured to achieve specific particle size distribution depending on its application. This versatility makes it useful for a variety of uses, which include increasing the efficiency of rubber in tires and the feel of toothpaste or cosmetic products.
Uses of Precipitated Silica in different industries
This paper aims to describe how precipitated silica has special characteristics that make it a material of choice in many industries. Some of the primary applications include:
Rubber Industry
In the rubber industry precipitated silica is used in the form of reinforcing filler, especially in the tyres. It works to strengthen the mechanical characteristics of rubber and to provide better grip, less rolling, and improved fuel economy in vehicles. Other rubber goods like shoe soles and industrial rubber also find improvement through the inclusion of precipitated silica.
Plastics and Polymers
In plastic and polymer applications, precipitated silica is used for preventing caking, processing, and increasing the mechanical strength of the final product. It also finds application in enhancing the viscosity of silicone rubber so that it can be used in the production of stronger and more flexible materials.
Food and Pharmaceuticals
The precipitated silica is also employed in the food and pharmaceutical industries as a flow or anticaking agent. It plays a vital role in avoiding clumping of fine powder products such as spices, milk powders, and supplements while packaging. It is also employed in tablets and capsule forms to boost stability and shelf life.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
In the cosmetics industry, the most important application of precipitated silica is for the improvement of the texture and the consistency of creams, lotions, and powders. It has a velvety texture and increases the penetration of oils therefore it is widely used in cosmetic products for the face and hair.
Agriculture and Animal Feed
In agriculture, precipitated silica is used as a carrier for fertilizers and pesticides in order to boost their effectiveness. It also has the function of preventing caking in animal feed which makes it easy to use and store.
