Silicon Dioxide

SILICON DIOXIDE

Silicon Dioxide is a natural chemical compound. It is made of two of the earth’s most abundant materials. It is frequently recognized in the form of quartz. It has its other name as silica. It is the major constituent of sand globally. Silica is one of the most complex families of materials, existing as a compound of several minerals. Silica exists in many forms having different atom arrangements but with identical compositions. Silicon Dioxide compounds can be divided into crystalline (c-silica) and amorphous silicon dioxide (a-silica).

All forms of silica are tasteless and odorless solids comprising silicon and oxygen atoms. Silica particles suspend in the air forming non-explosive specks of dust. It combines with other metallic elements and oxides to form silicates.  It appears as grey, in its amorphous powdered form. It reacts with acid and fluorine. All forms of Silicon Dioxide are insoluble in strong acids, inert, and attacked by strong alkalis. It is hygroscopic and soluble in molten alkalis. Its amorphous form reacts with most metallic oxides at high temperatures. It is non-combustible. The US FDA approves Silica as a safe food additive.

USES AND APPLICATIONS FOR SILICON DIOXIDE

It has wide applications:-

• It is used in the construction industry for the production of concrete.
• When it is in the crystalline form it is used in hydraulic fracturing.
• It serves as a Sedative.
• Silicon Dioxide is used to produce elemental silicon.
• It works as an anti-caking agent in powdered foods.
• It serves as a fining agent in juice, and wine.
• Silicon Dioxide functions in pharmaceutical tablets.
• It is utilized in toothpaste to remove plaque.
• The high melting point enables Silica, to be utilized in iron casting, modern sand casting.
• It functions as fillers in the rubber industry, as free-flow, as liquid carriers, particularly in the manufacture of animal feed and agrochemicals.