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Microsilica, commonly referred to as silica fume, is an amorphous polymorph of silica, which is silicon dioxide. It is an ultrafine powder with spherical particles and an average particle diameter of 150 nm that is gathered as a waste product from the manufacturing of silicon and ferrosilicon alloys.
The primary use is as a pozzolanic component in high performance concrete. It can occasionally be mistaken for fumed silica. However, compared to silica fume, fumed silica has distinct production methods, particle properties, and application areas.
The average diameter of the spherical particles in silica fume, which is an ultrafine substance, is roughly 0.15 microns. This reduces it to a size that is around 100 times smaller than the typical cement particle.
The bulk density of silica fume ranges from 130 to 600 kg/m3, depending on how much densification has occurred in the silo. The typical range for the specific gravity of silica fume is 2.2 to 2.3. Either the nitrogen adsorption method or the BET method can be used to calculate the specific surface area of silica fume. Between 15,000 and 30,000 m2/kg is the average range.
In the manufacturing of silicon and ferrosilicon alloys in electric arc furnaces, high-purity quartz is carbothermally reduced using carbonaceous materials including coal, coke, and wood chips. Silica fume is a byproduct of this process.The high silica concentration and extreme fineness of silica fume make it a highly efficient pozzolanic material. ASTM C1240 and EN 13263 are the accepted standard requirements for silica fume used in cementitious mixes.
To enhance the qualities of Portland cement concrete, particularly its compressive strength, bond strength, and abrasion resistance, silica fume is added. These benefits occur from pozzolanic interactions between silica fume and free calcium hydroxide in the paste, as well as mechanical enhancements brought on by the addition of a very fine powder to the cement paste mixture.
Moreover, the addition of silica fume lowers the permeability of concrete to chloride ions, preventing corrosion of the concrete’s reinforcing steel, especially in chloride-rich settings like coastal areas, humid continental highways, runways, and saltwater bridges
Moreover, silica fumes are crucial for oil and gas operations. Silica fume can be utilised in secondary applications, such as remedial operations such as leak repairs, splits, and closing of depleted zones, as well as primary applications such as the installation of grout as a hydraulic seal in the well bore.
The Global silica micronized powder market accounted for $XX Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2030.
Albitalia launched micronized silica powder with anti-caking properties is TIXOSIL®38. It is a component of the assortment of precipitated amorphous silicas produced by Solvay in the forms of powder and micropearls for the animal feed market.
TIXOSIL® silicas can be utilised to optimise the flowability of feeds, additives, and premixes because of their particle dispersion. Also, the great absorption capacity and outstanding smoothness make it easier to store and handle nutrients during production.
The TIXOSIL® line of products is used to support acids, pigments, and aromas. They are made to absorb excess fat, change naturally liquid items into free-flowing powders, and act as an anti-caking ingredient in milk replacement powders.
