Silica abrasives
| Molar mass | 7631-86-9 |
| CAS number | 34021110 |
| HS Code | Storage at 5 to 30 °C |
| Storage | available |
| SDS |
| Appearance | Conforms | ||
| Solubility | Conforms | ||
| pH | 6.8 to 7.8 | ||
| Loss on ignition | ≤ | 8.3 | % |
| Heavy metals | ≤ | 0.0015 | % |
| Arsenic | ≤ | 0.002 | % |
| Average particle size | 8.0 to 15.0 | microns | |
| Volatile matter | 5.0 to 8.0 | % | |
| Assay | ≥ | 96.0 | % |
Silica Abrasives are hard, crystalline particles mainly composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). They are widely used in industrial, laboratory, and cosmetic applications due to their excellent abrasive properties and chemical stability.
🏭⚗️ Production
Silica abrasives are produced by extracting high-purity silica sand from natural deposits. The sand is washed to remove impurities, crushed into smaller particles, and sieved to achieve uniform sizes. In some applications, the silica undergoes heat treatment or chemical processing to improve hardness and performance. The processed particles are then packaged for industrial, laboratory, or cosmetic use.
🔬 Properties
Silica abrasives are hard, angular, and highly resistant to wear, making them effective for cutting, grinding, and polishing. They are chemically inert, have a high melting point, and show low thermal expansion. Their particle size, shape, and surface texture significantly affect performance, and they provide good electrical insulation in specialized applications.
🧪 Applications
In industrial applications, silica abrasives are used in sandblasting, surface preparation, and manufacturing of grinding wheels and sandpapers. In laboratories, they serve as components in chromatography or as fillers to improve powder flow. In cosmetics, they are used as exfoliating agents in skincare products to remove dead cells and improve skin texture.
⚠️ Safety
Inhalation of fine silica dust can lead to respiratory problems, including silicosis. Therefore, it is important to use protective equipment such as masks, respirators, gloves, and goggles when handling silica abrasives. Working in ventilated areas and storing the material in dry, closed containers helps maintain safety and product performance.
