General description

Silica is a naturally occurring material in minerals, flint and in some plants in crystalline phase. Silica used in industries is in synthetic form. Surface area, pore volume, pore size and particle size are independently controllable to some extent. The crystalline silica may be classified based on atmospheric pressure as:
a. Quartz = 1143K
b. Tridymite 1143 - 1743K
c. Cristobalite = 1743, over 1973K it forms amorphous vitreous silica glass.

Application

Low density filler for coatings and plastics.

Silica glass spheres are low density filler for coatings and plastics. Silica was used in synthesis of silicalite. Silica was also used to assist the catalytic growth of oxide and nitride nanowires.

Features and Benefits

Light weight, crush-resistant filler. Imparts dimensional stability, reduces warpage, reduces plastic melt viscosity and provides multidirectional orientation in reinforced composites.