Summary: Silica nanoparticles play a vital role in the modern world. It has amazing properties and a plethora of applications. On that note, if you are curious to know about Nano Silica then read the sections that follow.
In recent years, silica nanoparticles and nano silica manufacturers are slowly but surely getting their fair share of the limelight but one should remember that nano silica has become the part and parcel of modern times, long before people started talking about it.
This post is all about that.
For starters, silicon dioxide nanoparticles are made from silicon dioxide which is known to be a very hard substance that can resist both physical and chemical changes. On top of this, SiO2, whether it is in its amorphous or crystalline form, cannot dissolve in acids or water.
SiO2 is also resistant to all types of acids except concentrated hydrofluoric acid.
Variations
Nano silica particles have two distinct variations that depend on their molecular structure.
They are:
- P-type and
- S-type
Nano silica exhibits an impressive feature. They come with nanopores and can reflect the ultraviolet spectrum of light. Compared to S-type nano silica particles, P-type particles have a smaller surface area.
Production and natural occurrence
Silicon dioxide is found in its crystalline form as well as amorphous forms in nature. In crystalline form, one can get their hands on silicon dioxide as quartz.
Artificially, silicon dioxide is manufactured using oxy-hydrogen flames or using the simple process of precipitation.
Irrespective of the source, large quantities of SiO2 is being consumed by nano silica suppliers all over the world to produce nano silica.
Applications
A typical nano silica supplier can reap major profits as this material has plenty of application across industrial sectors. Some of them are as follows –
- Nano silica is the primary ingredient for glass manufacturers as well as optical industry and the construction industry.
- It is also used to produce temperature-resistant equipment that is primarily used in the chemical processing industry.
- It is also used by cement manufacturers and manufacturers of related building materials.
- It is also used as an effective filter as well as a desiccant.
- It is also used as a filler ingredient by plastic manufacturers, rubber manufacturers, dye manufacturers, and adhesive manufacturers.
- It also serves well as adsorbents otherwise known as trickling agents.
- Nano silica is also used in the fabrication of scratch-resistant coatings as well as varnish.
- Nano-SiO2 is also rampantly used for the fabrication of tires and the reason is simple. Silica nanoparticles, when added to the tire compound increases the roll resistance of the same. This, in turn, allows vehicles to consume less fuel, especially on long hauls.
- It is also used as a food additive (E551) in products such as dietary supplements, seasonings, table salt and dry foods. The reason is to keep these products from absorbing moisture.
- Silica nano particles are also used as a carrier ingredient during the manufacturing process of emulsifying agents.
- The medical sector also uses nano-silica as the primary ingredient to produce pharmaceutical products such as gels, creams, tablets, etc.
- It is also used as water repellant in the textile sector and as an abrasive in the electronics sector.
It is safe to state that nano silica is slowly taking over all known industrial sectors. The future looks good for people as well as companies that manufacture this product – that is for sure!
