Spherical silica powder is a substance made of silica. It is an ultra-fine white powder in the shape of tiny spheres. When we look at it under a microscope, these microspheres are up to 97% circular. So they have unique advantages in various applications. Let’s take a closer look at these tiny miracles. Learn what they are, how they made, and what they contribute to different industries.
1）What are Silica Microspheres
Silica microspheres are made of silicon dioxide. Capable of forming ultra-fine spherical particles with a roundness of 97%. It stands out compared to angular quartz powder. (please turn here for more quartz powder information.) Silica microspheres are processed by the precipitation method. We also introduced methods for the preparation of different types of silica, please check it here. The whiteness of its powder exceeds 97%, and the purity of silica is as high as 99.95%. Its main features are low oil absorption, low viscosity, and low friction coefficient. The unique spherical structure gives it excellent powder flowability. And can mix it up with organic polymers. This enhances the strength, dispersion, and fluidity properties of the material.
2）Properties of Spherical Silica Powder
Spherical silica powder is a high-purity white powder with fine particles. It has excellent dielectric properties and thermal conductivity. The low expansion coefficient increases its attractiveness, with strong potential for further development.
When silica microspheres are added to resins and plastics, they provide surface protection. It also prevents scratches, as well as enhances the smoothness of the product. Silica microspheres can withstand temperatures up to 1375°C and have very good fire protection properties. It can effectively reduce shrinkage and improve the stability of the material. Besides, silica has low solubility in strong acid and alkali environments. So it is also suitable as an anti-corrosion material. It can enhance the corrosion resistance of products. Because silica is highly stable, it can be blended with a variety of materials.
3）Applications
Spherical silicon microspheres are used in various industries. And it can increase the flame retardancy and UV resistance of the product.
4）Grades
Spherical silica powder is divided into industrial, pharmaceutical, food, plastic, and cosmetic grades.
- 1. Industrial grade: It can used in resins, electronic substrates, coatings, inks, rubber, aerospace industry, electrical components, plastic products, paints, etc.
- 2. Food grade: mainly used for food packaging. Such as food bags, plastic bottles, ceramics, storage buckets, rubber, and jewelry.
- 3. Cosmetic grade: Mainly porous silica microspheres, which can absorb facial oil. The spherical particles increase the smooth feel. They have excellent hydrophobic properties after surface modification.
- 4. Pharmaceutical grade: It is mainly used for pharmaceutical packaging and medical devices, and its purity can be as high as 99.9%. When used as a filler, it can enhance hardening and has no adverse effects on the human body.
- 5. Plastic grade: suitable for most plastics, such as PCV, PP, PE, ABS, PC, PET, POM and PBT. It can be used to toughen it to increase shape stability.
This comprehensive project requires strict control of recipes, equipment, and production processes. This enables customized production to meet specific customer needs.
5）Environmental Considerations
Silica microspheres will produce waste gas and water during the production process. All Processing is under national environmental protection standards. It can cut environmental pollution and reflect the commitment to green manufacturing.
6）Microstructure
Silica microspheres are available in two types: porous and non-porous. The porous type has a concave spherical surface under an electron microscope.
7）Modification of Silica Microspheres
Silica microspheres undergo modification with silane modifier 570 for encapsulation purposes. Its coverage rate is over 65%. It shows strong dispersion in oily materials. Can effectively prevent aggregation. This makes them easy to use and does not need special dispersion methods. Ensure that it is evenly dispersed in the material and does not affect the appearance of the product.
8）Performance of Silica Microspheres
Silica microspheres are used as filling materials, which are flexible and surface active. The particle size and shape of silica powder are more stable.
Spherical silica powder with a particle size of 0.3-10μm and high roundness and strength. For a particle size of 3 μm, the distribution range is between 1-4 μm and the D:50 value is 2.8 μm. Product specifications can custom made according to customer needs. For a particle size of 3μm, the distribution ranges between 1-4μm, with a D:50 value of 2.8μm. Product specifications can be made to meet testing requirements.
9）Advantages Of Angular Silica
- 1. The sphere surface exhibits excellent fluidity. It forms a uniform film when mixed with resin. Reducing the amount of resin can maximize the filling capacity of silica powder. So, Spheroidization means an increase in silica powder filling rate. The more spherical silica powder is full the smaller its thermal expansion. The thermal conductivity is also lower. Thus, its thermal expansion coefficient is closer to that of single-crystal silicon. So, electronic components produced from this material exhibit superior performance. This means that the performance of electronic equipment is enhanced.
- 2. Spherical powder is used as an encapsulation material, compared to angular silica. It has less stress and higher strength. The electronic devices produced in this way have a high yield and are easy to transport and install. Thus, silica microspheres have strong development potential.
Spherical silica powder appears as a multifunctional, high-quality material. It has a wide range of applications in various industries. Its unique properties are easy to customize. Environmental-friendly production methods make it key to advancing materials science. Spherical silica powder is showing value, and people’s demand for it will continue to grow.
