[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of fumed silica, fumed silica concept unit

Fumed Silica Properties

Fumed silica (Fumed Silica), also known as silica, is a high purity, ultrafine inorganic silicon oxide powder. Its main component is SiO2, which is produced by the gas phase method. It is a white powder with extremely low density and extremely large specific surface area (usually 100-400 m²/g). Due to its nanoscale microstructure, fumed silica has excellent dispersibility and fluidity. It also has high chemical stability and heat resistance, and can maintain its physical and chemical properties under high temperature environment.

Fumed silica uses

Fumed silica is widely used in various industries, especially in the fields of rubber, coatings, plastics, adhesives, sealants, cosmetics and medicine. It is used as a reinforcing agent in rubber, which can significantly improve the wear resistance and mechanical strength of rubber products; in coatings and inks, it can be used as a thickener and anti-precipitation agent to prevent pigment particles from precipitating; in plastics and adhesives, Fumed silica plays a role in strengthening and toughening; in cosmetics, it is used as a rheology regulator and touch modifier, which can improve the use experience of products; in the field of medicine, as a carrier material, fumed silica can improve the stability and bioavailability of drugs.

Fumed silica upstream feedstock

The main raw materials for the production of fumed silica are silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4), hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). Silicon tetrachloride is produced by reacting silicon ore with hydrochloric acid, while hydrogen and oxygen are usually obtained by electrolysis of water or other chemical reactions. In the production process, silicon tetrachloride reacts with hydrogen and oxygen at high temperatures to produce silicon dioxide and hydrogen chloride gas (HCl), which is recycled. This process is called flame hydrolysis and is the most commonly used production method.

Fumed silica production process

The production process of fumed silica is mainly divided into the following steps: silicon tetrachloride, hydrogen and oxygen are mixed in a certain proportion, and the hydrolysis reaction is carried out in a high temperature flame to generate fumed silica and hydrogen chloride gas. Subsequently, the by-product hydrogen chloride and other impurities are removed through processes such as cooling, filtering, washing and drying, and finally a pure gas phase silica powder is obtained. The entire production process requires strict control of the reaction temperature and the proportion of raw materials to ensure product quality and stable performance.

Fumed Silica Downstream Applications

Fumed silica is widely and continuously used in various industries. In the rubber industry, it is mainly used to manufacture high-performance tires, seals, conveyor belts and soles. In the coatings and inks industry, fumed silica is used to improve the rheological properties and stability of coatings. In the electronics industry, it is used to make electronic components and filling materials to improve the heat resistance and insulation properties of products. In the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, fumed silica is used as an excipient and suspending agent to improve the texture and stability of products. With the development of nanotechnology, the application prospect of fumed silica in new materials and high-tech fields is becoming more and more broad.

Fumed silica storage method

Due to the extremely large specific surface area and hygroscopicity of fumed silica, special care needs to be taken to prevent moisture and contamination during storage. Generally, it should be stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated environment, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. It should be packed in a sealed container to prevent moisture and impurities in the air from entering. During storage and transportation, avoid violent vibration and extrusion to prevent powder agglomeration and performance degradation. The correct storage method can not only maintain the quality of fumed silica, but also extend its service life.

Fumed Silica Market Prospects

With the continuous development of industry and technology, the market demand for fumed silica continues to grow. Especially in high value-added fields such as high-performance rubber, electronic materials and pharmaceutical cosmetics, its application prospects are very broad. With the improvement of environmental protection requirements, fumed silica, as a non-toxic and non-polluting material, is more and more favored by the market. In the future, with the continuous progress of production technology and the continuous expansion of application fields, the market scale of fumed silica is expected to further expand and become an indispensable and important raw material in various industries.

Conclusion

As a kind of nano-material with excellent performance, fumed silica has become an irreplaceable important material in modern industry because of its unique physical and chemical properties and a wide range of applications. Through in-depth understanding of its nature, use, production process and storage methods, we can better play its advantages in various fields and promote the development of related industries. With the technological progress and changes in market demand, fumed silica will show a broader application prospect and market potential in the future.