خاک دیاتومه

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine, white to off-white powder. It is composed primarily of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae, and is widely used in pharmaceuticals, filtration, and as an absorbent.

🏭⚗️ Production
Diatomaceous earth is mined from sedimentary deposits, then dried, milled, and purified to remove impurities. Depending on the intended use, it can be calcined (heated) to enhance hardness and whiteness or left in its natural form. Industrial production ensures uniform particle size and high silica content for pharmaceutical, filtration, and food-grade applications.

🔬 Properties
Diatomaceous earth appears as a fine, porous powder with high surface area and low density. It is chemically inert, insoluble in water and most organic solvents, and thermally stable. Its highly porous structure allows it to act as an absorbent, filter aid, and anti-caking agent. Depending on treatment, DE can be amorphous (safe for food and pharmaceutical use) or crystalline (requiring handling precautions due to respirable silica).

🧪 Applications
In pharmaceuticals, diatomaceous earth is used as a filtering aid for vaccines, injectable solutions, and other liquid preparations. It serves as an anti-caking agent in powdered formulations and as an excipient in certain tablets. In the food industry, DE is used for filtration of beverages and oils. It also finds applications in cosmetics, agriculture (as a natural insecticide), and industrial filtration systems.

⚠️ Safety
Amorphous diatomaceous earth is generally regarded as safe when used appropriately. Inhalation of fine dust should be avoided, as it can cause respiratory irritation. Crystalline silica-containing DE must be handled with proper protective equipment including dust masks, gloves, and goggles. Storage should be in a cool, dry place, away from strong acids or moisture that could affect its filtration properties.