Silicon Dioxide
Thickeners
$1.30 ~ $1.95
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:10kg/bag
One unit of:10kg/bag
10kg/bag
Product Info
What is Silicon Dioxide?
Silicon Dioxide is a common food additive used primarily as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping and improve the free flow of powdered ingredients.
How is Silicon Dioxide made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Preparation | Dissolve sodium silicate (water glass) in demineralized water to create a silicate solution of a specific concentration. | Note: The concentration and SiO2:Na2O ratio of the silicate solution are fundamental to the process. High-purity demineralized water is used to prevent contamination. |
| 2 | Precipitation (Reaction) | Add an acid (e.g., sulfuric acid) to the sodium silicate solution under vigorous agitation to precipitate hydrated silicon dioxide. | Control Point: This is the most critical step. Reaction temperature, pH level, and the rate of acid addition must be precisely controlled as they directly determine the primary particle size, surface area, and pore structure of the final product. |
| 3 | Digestion / Aging | Hold the resulting slurry at a controlled temperature for a specific period to allow the silica particles to stabilize and strengthen. | Control Point: The aging time and temperature are crucial for developing the desired internal structure and reinforcing properties. This step allows for polymerization and strengthening of the silica network. |
| 4 | Filtration & Washing | Separate the precipitated silica from the liquid byproduct (sodium sulfate solution) using a filter press. The resulting filter cake is then washed with demineralized water. | Control Point: Washing efficiency is critical. The process continues until the conductivity of the wash water indicates the sodium sulfate content is below the specified limit. High salt impurity affects product performance. |
| 5 | Drying | Dry the washed silica cake to a target moisture level, typically using a spray dryer or flash dryer. | Control Point: The drying method and temperature profile are key. Over-heating can cause irreversible agglomeration (sintering) and reduce surface area. The final moisture content is a critical product specification. |
| 6 | Milling & Classification | Mill the dried silicon dioxide to break up agglomerates and achieve the desired fineness. An air classifier may be used to sort particles. | Control Point: Mill settings and classifier speed directly control the final particle size distribution (PSD). This is a crucial parameter for applications in coatings, rubber, and food (as an anti-caking agent). |
| 7 | Quality Control & Packaging | Test the final product against all specifications and package it into appropriate containers (e.g., bags, super sacks) in a controlled environment. | Note: Final QC tests confirm purity, surface area (BET), oil absorption, pH, moisture, and particle size. Packaging must prevent moisture re-absorption and contamination. |
Technical Specifications
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
No application data available.
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Silicon Dioxide |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Anti-caking Agent; Flow Agent; Carrier; Defoaming Agent |
| Key Ingredients | Amorphous Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂) |
| Mechanism of Action | Acts physically by adsorbing excess moisture and oils from the surface of hygroscopic particles due to its high porosity and large surface area. This process creates a physical barrier between host particles, preventing the formation of liquid bridges and subsequent agglomeration, thus maintaining powder flowability. |
| Application Effect in Product | Prevents caking and improves flow in powdered or granulated products (e.g., spices, salt, coffee creamers, drink mixes). Ensures consistent dosing and easy dispersion. Acts as an inert carrier for flavors and active ingredients. Reduces foaming during processing of liquids. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) | Chemical Compound / Mineral | Highly inert, porous amorphous structure, excellent absorbent, thermally stable, available in high purity. | Superior anti-caking and flow-aid performance at very low concentrations; highly effective desiccant. | Can be abrasive; fine crystalline silica dust is a respiratory hazard. | Anti-caking agent in powdered foods, spices, and supplements; desiccant packs; filler in paints and rubber. | For maximum anti-caking efficiency and moisture control where purity and performance are critical. |
| Talc (Magnesium Silicate) | Hydrated Magnesium Silicate / Mineral | Very soft (platy structure), hydrophobic, provides lubricity, feels soapy to the touch. | Unmatched softness and lubricity; provides a smooth, silky feel; effective and inexpensive filler. | Potential for natural asbestos contamination in some sources, leading to significant health and regulatory concerns. | Cosmetics (body powders), filler in plastics and ceramics, mold release agent, paper manufacturing. | For applications where exceptional softness, lubricity, and a specific tactile feel are required. |
| Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) | Chemical Compound / Mineral | Abundant, high brightness and opacity, various particle sizes available (ground or precipitated). | Extremely low cost and widely available; adds brightness and opacity to products; acts as a pH buffer. | Reacts with acids; less effective as an anti-caking agent or desiccant compared to silica. | Filler in paper, paint, and plastics; primary component of cement; calcium supplements; antacids. | As a low-cost, high-volume bulk filler, especially when brightness or pH control is beneficial. |
| Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) | Refined Wood Pulp / Plant-derived | Fibrous particles, highly compressible, inert, insoluble, derived from renewable plant sources. | Excellent binder and disintegrant; non-mineral origin appeals to "natural" product markets; multifunctional. | More expensive than mineral alternatives; can affect texture more noticeably in some foods. | Pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing; fat replacer and texturizer in low-fat foods; anti-caking agent. | For pharmaceutical or food products needing a high-performance binder from a renewable, non-mineral source. |
| Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO3) | Inorganic Salt / Mineral | Lightweight, highly absorbent (both water and oil), white solid, exists in various hydrated forms. | Very effective at absorbing moisture and oil; enhances grip by keeping hands dry. | Can impart a slightly bitter taste in food applications; less effective as a flow agent than silica. | Anti-caking agent in table salt; grip-enhancing chalk for gymnastics and climbing; filler; fire retardant. | For superior moisture and oil absorption, particularly for grip enhancement in sports applications. |
Technical Documents
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications