Hydrophilic Fumed Silica

What is hydrophilic fumed silica

Hydrophilic fumed silica is a nanomaterials with strong hygroscopicity(absorbing moisture). This fluffy white powder is based on high purity amorphous silica. It is can be wetted by water, and dispersed in water forming a suspension.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Hebei Silicon Research Electronic Materials Co., L.

When it firstly produced from oxyhydrogen flame&#;the moisture content is very low. Take XYSIL200 for example, it is around 0.48 wt%. If exposed into air for about 30 seconds to 180 seconds, this number will be double or even tripled.

Function and application

Hydrophilic fumed silica is mainly used to provide thixotropic properties in coating and adhesive; to provide reinforcement in silicone rubber. Besides, it acts as free flow and absorbing agent in pharmacy, food and cosmetic products.

Grades of hydrophilic fumed silica

Various grades can be divided mainly by hydrophilic fumed silica BET surface area. Take XYSIL fumed silica as example, the 200 in XYSIL 200 comes from the value of BET surface area.

Some manufacturer divides into more grades according to applications. The picture below is Aerosil hydrophilic grades, Aerosil A200 F is the grade for food and Aerosil 300 pharma is obviously for pharma.

Packing & Storage

Due to its strong tendency of absorbing moisture, the hydrophilic fumed silica requires strictly moisture proof. Three layer kraft paper bag and plastic layer around the pallet meet this need. However, this packing is fragile during transporting.
If the original package is open or broken, the product inside should be used as soon as possible.

In the realm of nanomaterials, fumed silica emerges as a versatile substance with properties that can be tailored for various applications. One significant distinction lies in its hydrophilic and hydrophobic attributes. Understanding the factors influencing the selection between these two forms of fumed silica is paramount for optimizing product performance. Let&#;s delve into the world of fumed silica and explore the key considerations that shape this choice.

The Genesis of Fumed Silica

Fumed silica comes into being through a high-temperature hydrolysis process involving silicon halides in a hydrogen-oxygen flame. The resultant nanoscale amorphous powder exhibits unique characteristics that find utility across diverse industries.

What Are The Materials And Processes Used To Manufacture Fumed Silica?

Fumed silica, or pyrogenic silica, colloidal silicon dioxide, is an amorphous white inorganic powder that has high specific surface area, nano-scale primary particle size and a relatively high (among silica&#;

Hydrophilic Fumed Silica: Properties and Applications

Hydrophilic fumed silica is characterized by surface hydroxyl groups that readily interact with water molecules, endowing it with water-attracting qualities. This type of fumed silica smoothly wets surfaces and disperses within water-based systems. It&#;s particularly suited for non-polar or low-polarity products.

Applications of hydrophilic fumed silica extend to non-polar systems such as methyl siloxanes, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and various hydrocarbons. It also finds a place in low-polarity systems like MS Polymers and STP-E, contributing to stability and dispersion.

Hydrophobic Fumed Silica: A Shift in Properties

By treating hydrophilic fumed silica with modifying agents, its surface hydroxyl groups can be either reacted or masked, leading to hydrophobicity. Hydrophobic fumed silica repels water, making it ideal for medium to high-polarity systems.

In contrast to its hydrophilic counterpart, hydrophobic fumed silica suits systems like polyurethanes, polyols, epoxy resins, and other polar environments. Its reduced polarity aligns with higher-polarity product systems.

Why Fumed Silica Need To Be Treated To Be Hydrophobic?

Fumed silica is available in both hydrophilic and hydrophobic forms. However, its hydrophilic nature makes it unsuitable for certain applications. Untreated fumed silica has many silanol groups on its surface,&#;

Factors Influencing the Choice

Three primary factors govern the selection between hydrophilic and hydrophobic fumed silica:

1. Inherent Properties of Fumed Silica

The polarity of the product system determines the compatibility of fumed silica. Hydrophilic fumed silica aligns with non-polar and low-polarity systems, whereas hydrophobic fumed silica is suited for medium to high-polarity environments. As the polarity of the system increases, the polarity of the fumed silica should decrease.

2. Application System and Scenario

The nature of the application system is a key determinant. Hydrophilic fumed silica finds favor in non-polar systems such as PVC, while hydrophobic fumed silica is fitting for epoxy resins and high-polarity environments. Matching the fumed silica polarity to the application system is crucial for optimal performance.

3. Cost Considerations

Cost plays a significant role in the selection process. Hydrophilic fumed silica is generally more cost-effective than its hydrophobic counterpart. This aspect is vital for applications where cost sensitivity is a primary concern.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit hydrophilic pyrogenic silica.

conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between hydrophilic and hydrophobic fumed silica rests on a careful analysis of the product&#;s nature, the application system, cost considerations, and the desired dispersion method. Hydrophilic fumed silica is best suited for products requiring interaction with water molecules, while hydrophobic fumed silica serves well in scenarios where water repellency or specific processing methods are required. Ultimately, the decision should be aligned with the product&#;s requirements and the overall cost-effectiveness of the chosen fumed silica variant.

Hello, Customers

My name is Van, I&#;m the business manager of HIFULL, I have been in Fumed Silica Industry for more than 10 years. Feel free to contact me. I&#;m happy to provide you the best service and products.

Van

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