[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, characteristics of nano-silica

Nano silica properties

Nanosilica (Nano-SiO2) is a nanoscale material of silicon dioxide with unique physical and chemical properties. Due to its small particle size (usually in the range of 1-100 nanometers), nanosilica has an extremely large specific surface area and high surface activity. These characteristics give it unique advantages in applications. The surface of nano-silica can be chemically modified to make it have different functional properties, such as hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, enhanced mechanical strength and so on.

Nano silica uses

Nano-silica has been widely used in many fields. In the rubber and plastics industry, nano-silica as a filler can significantly improve the strength, wear resistance and aging resistance of materials. In the coatings and paint industry, nano-silica is used to improve the hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of coatings. Nano-silica is also widely used in cosmetics, drug carriers, catalyst carriers, ceramic materials, adhesives and other fields, playing an important role.

Upstream raw materials

The production of nanosilica is mainly dependent on the silicon source and energy input. The main upstream raw materials include sodium silicate, silicon powder and silicon tetrachloride. Sodium silicate is a common chemical that can produce silica by reacting with an acid. Silicon powder and silicon tetrachloride are important raw materials for the production of nano-silica by high temperature gas phase synthesis. The energy input in the production process, such as heat and electric energy, is also an important factor to ensure the quality of nano-silica synthesis.

Downstream Applications

The downstream applications of nanosilica are very extensive, covering many fields from industrial manufacturing to daily consumer goods. In industrial manufacturing, nano-silica is widely used to enhance the performance of rubber, plastics and coatings. In the electronics industry, nanosilica is used to prepare high-performance electronic components and integrated circuits. In the medical and cosmetic industries, nanosilica is used as a drug carrier, a thickener in skin care products, and an anti-aging ingredient. Its wide application in different fields shows its important value as a functional material.

Production process

The production process of nano-silica mainly includes sol-gel method, gas phase synthesis method and hydrothermal method. The sol-gel method is to generate silica particles by chemical reaction in solution, and then obtain nano-silica by gelation and drying. The gas phase synthesis method is to generate nano silica particles by reacting gaseous silicides at high temperature. The hydrothermal method is a reaction in a high temperature and high pressure aqueous solution to generate nano-silica. These processes have their own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right production process requires comprehensive consideration of product quality, production cost and environmental protection requirements.

storage method

Nano-silica is easy to agglomerate and absorb moisture due to its small particles, so its storage method is very important. Nano-silica should be stored in a dry, cool environment, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature and humidity environment. Storage containers shall be well sealed to prevent ingress of moisture from the air. In order to prevent agglomeration of nanoparticles, an appropriate amount of dispersant can be added during storage. Regular inspection of storage and timely handling of possible agglomeration and moisture absorption problems are the key to ensure the quality of nano-silica.

Market Prospects

With the continuous progress of science and technology and the increasing demand for high-performance materials in various industries, the market prospect of nano-silica is very broad. Especially in high-tech fields such as new energy, new materials, and biomedicine, the application potential of nano-silica is huge. In the future, with the advancement of production technology and the expansion of application fields, the nano-silica market is expected to achieve faster growth.

Environmental protection and safety

Although nano-silica is widely used in various fields, its environmental protection and safety issues also require attention. Nanomaterials may have potential effects on the environment and human health due to their small particles and high activity. Therefore, in the process of production and use, the emission of nano-silica should be strictly controlled, and necessary protective measures should be taken to ensure the safety of operators. Systematic toxicological studies to assess the environmental impact and biological safety of nano-silica are important to ensure its sustainable development.

Summary

As an important nanomaterial, nano-silica has unique physical and chemical properties and is widely used in many fields. Its upstream raw materials and production processes are diverse, and its downstream applications are extensive. The storage methods, market prospects, environmental protection and safety issues of nano-silica also need to be paid attention. With the advancement of science and technology and the increase of market demand, the application of nano-silica will be more extensive, and its industrial development prospects will be brighter.