FUMED SILICA

The production method of pyrogenic highly-dispersed silicon dioxide involves the process which is based oncontinuous vapour phase hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride SiCl4.The first mass production of fumed silica has been launched in 1944.During the process, the silicon tetrachloride in gas phase reacts with water forming in H2-O2 flame, with thereaction temperature 1000°C:2H2 + O2 + SiCl4 → SiO2 + 4HClThe only by-product formed is hydrochloric acid that isMicroscope image of particles agglomerates utilised and processed according to the strictenvironmental standards.By varying the concentration of the reagents, flame temperature and dwell time of the silica in thecombustion chamber, it is possible to influence the particle size, particle size distribution, surface area andsurface properties of silica within wide limits.Application in Different FieldsIt is used as a filling agent in dozens of applications, due largely to unique properties of the particles: ultrafine size, homogeneity, spherical shape and utmost purity. When added in liquids, it causes thickening effectthat is of significant importance for the production of lubricants, lacquers, paints, glues and medicines.1. Adhesives and sealantsFumed silica is effective and integral component in adhesiveand sealant systems. With addition in glues, it preventssedimentation, enhances viscosity, provides less setting time,reduces stretching of fibres (filaments) in glues and increasesadhesive power dramatically. Apart from thickening effect,fumed silica secures the desired mechanical strength of asealant when the latter is cured.Silicone sealants feature the following particular traits:• Good weatherability and resistance in aggressive environment• Enhanced adhesion to most of construction materials without priming• Excellent movement accommodation (no less than 20%)• Improved thermal and cold resistance – maintains performability (remains resilient and elastic) withintemperatures -50° to +200°C• Easy handling in wide temperature ranges (surface applications -30° to +60°C)2. Pharmaceuticals and cosmeticsIn pharmacy, the product has found its application as an inertcarrier and stabiliser of the active ingredient.

The silica provides desired consistency for pastes and ointmentsand prevents separation of components as well. Also, it is used asan auxiliary for the production of drops and pills.In medical applications, the most crucial advantage is that all thesubstances adsorbed on surface of the silica before, e.g. inmedicines, are then desorbed gradually and completely in aqueousenvironment of human body, thus securing lasting effect andenhancing performance of medicines.Fumed silica is an enterosorbent, i.e. an agent that absorbs and removes substances harmful and toxic to thebody from intestinal tract.Thanks to its absorbing ability, the silica outperforms greatly all the existing medical sorbents. Binding ratefor micro-organisms accounts for up 3 billion microbes in 1g of the sorbent. This extraordinary absorbingeffect is conditioned by the phenomenon of micro-organisms’ agglutination via particles of the silica.Fumed silica is used on large scale in the production of toothpaste. It keeps teeth enamel safe providingexcellent polish and serves as a carrier of active ingredients in gel toothpaste.3. Manufacturing of PlasticsGlass-fibre plastics are used exceptionally for the fabrication of plastic frames in shipbuilding, for which rawmaterials like unsaturated polyesters (UPRs) and reinforcing glass fillers are required:- in low-viscosity polyester resins with good wet-in features, fumed silica promotes levelling and preventscracking and sagging during the manufacturing of polyester-based glass fibre plastics.- fumed silica delivers thixotropic properties to polyester and epoxy resins. Also, it can be used as antiblockingagent in polymer films. In the production of PVC resins, the silica enables to adjust their operatingviscosity.4. Paints and lacquersHere, fumed silica functions as a stabiliser and anti-settling agent ofpigments and as an anti-sedimentation additive. It improvesthixotropic and rheological properties of coatings and paint systems,retains original transparency of lacquers. Furthermore, addition of thesilica enhances hardening of coating film, adhesion to surfaces, aswell as reduces deterioration rate of the coatings and fading ofmaterials with transparent top coating. Besides, it helps to preventrun-off and sag of paints applied on vertical surfaces, thus ensuringtop quality levelling. The silica is used as a matting agent of lacquersystems, whereas the desired effect may be adjusted within wideranges.5. Rubber industryFumed silica is active reinforcing filler used in the production of silicon rubbers. Primarily, the silica

makes iteasier to prepare rubber mixtures by reducing sticking to the rollers. It is the most significant additivedesigned to acquire lightweight durable and high quality colour rubbers used in the manufacturing of soles,rubber cloths, sanitation and hygiene items, etc.- fumed silica is easy to be mixed and disperses freely in rubbers.It can be utilised in the following technological processes and products:- in rubber-fabric articles to assure enhanced durability (hosepipes, belts, conveyors);- in the fabrication of neoprene- and SKN-based items which are oil- and gas-proof.- items subject to repeatedly bending (conveyor belt, rubber hoses);Modified Grades of Fumed SilicaThe methyl-modified silica is heat-resistant organophilic products which features hydrophobic properties. It isobtained through chemical modification of ultra fine silica’s surface by means of chloroorganic silanes.High dispersion and surface chemistry allow to add hydrophobic silica as a thickening and matting agent aswell as a reinforcing filler in different compounds. With addition in the formulation of varied paint andlacquer systems, modified silica enhances water, thermal and frost resistance of coated surfaces andprovides their safety in aggressive environment not favourable to proper operation.Hydrophobic silica enables to acquire non-porous silicone rubbers and mixtures that have longer lifeperformance in damp and wet form suitable for the fabrication of cable rubbers and other applications.Tangible effect is seen in free-flowing materials where methyl silica is added as anti-caking agent. Forinstance, in extinguishing powder chemicals, it increases their flowability and extinguishing effect by 6 to 7times.Multiple tests with modified fumed silica have resulted in the synthesis of heat- and water-resistantlubricants that can be used in industrial applications.Using of methyl silica as a filling agent in polymer compounds, as a thixotropic thickener in grease lubricants,and as an additive preventing the settling in lacquers and paints secures manufacturing of high qualityproducts.

Activated and fumed silica

Activated silicas are high surface area silicas used as fillers, drying agents, carriers, for fusing to high performance optical lenses. Fumed silica is used for similar applications and in rubbers, plastics, paints and adhesives. World consumption of such silica is in excess of 1 million tonnes p.a. valued at around A$1500 per tonne.

The WACKER Group, Dr. Staudigl stated, has thus taken the necessary steps to match the 30-percent market growth predicted over the next three to four years with appropriate production volumes and to continue expanding its fumed-silica market share. The global fumed silica market is currently valued at almost EUR 800 million. WACKER ranks among the world's three leading fumed silica producers.

Fumed Silica (CAS 7631-86-9) Market Research Report 2010

The study ‘Fumed Silica (CAS 7631-86-9) Market Research Report 2010’ presents an overview of the Fumed Silica market globally and regionally by contemplating and analyzing its parameters.Basic report:- provides general information on Fumed Silica - examines applications of Fumed Silica, its consumers- provides Fumed Silica market situation overview and supplies with a list of Fumed Silica manufacturers and suppliers worldwide- considers Fumed Silica current market pricesThe research is based on reliable data and supplies with the latest information on selected aspects of the market.

1. GENERAL FUMED SILICA DESCRIPTION, COMPOSITION, INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS, HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION, HANDLING AND STORAGE, TOXICOLOGICAL AND TRANSPORT INFORMATION2. FUMED SILICA APPLICATION AREAS, PATENTS3. FUMED SILICA MARKET. MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS OF FUMED SILICA (INCLUDING CONTACT DETAILS)3.1. Manufacturers of Fumed Silica - Europe- Asia- North America- Latin America- Africa- Oceania3.2. Suppliers (trading companies) of Fumed Silica (including contact details)- Europe- Asia- North America

4. CURRENT FUMED SILICA MARKET PRICES- European market- Asian market- North American market5. FUMED SILICA CONSUMERS- Europe- Asia- North America- Latin America- Oceania- Africa

Global demand to rise 6.3% annually through 2014

World demand for specialty silicas -- which include precipitated silica, fumed silica, silica gel and silica sol -- will rise 6.3 percent per year to 2.7 million metric tons in 2014. This pace of growth represents an acceleration from the 2004- 2009 period, in which silica demand was hampered by a global economic recession. Gains will be driven by a rise in world manufacturing activity, particularly in key silica markets such as tires, rubber, chemicals and agricultural products. Additionally, demand will benefit from the rising levels of silica use in developing economies such as China and India, as the industrial sectors in these countries increase their utilization of silica as an additive or processing aid in manufactured goods. However, gains will be limited to some extent by market maturity in the US and Western Europe, particularly in applications such as toothpaste abrasives, pesticides and refractories.

Precipitated silica to remain dominant product type, and grow the fastest

Precipitated silica, which accounted for 70 percent of world specialty silica demand in 2009, will remain the leading product type through the forecast period. Precipitated silica will also be the fastest-growing silica product, driven by a strong rebound in the rubber market and increasing utilization in tires as a partial replacement for carbon black. Chemical applications, including coatings, inks and catalysts, will also be an area of growth for precipitated silica. Fumed silica gains will be fueled by a rebound in the production of silicone rubber, which accounts for a large portion of the fumed silica market. Silica gel, which is used in a wide variety of markets, including chemicals, food and beverages, and packaging, will benefit from increasing

manufacturing activity overall. Silica sol is expected to continue to see favorable opportunities in paper coatings, while also increasing its share of the semiconductor polishing market.

Rebound in rubber industry, "green" tires to boost key rubber additives market

Rubber additives will continue to be the largest market for specialty silicas through 2014, accounting for 45 percent of total demand. A strong turnaround in the world rubber industry, which was hard-hit by the 2008-2009 economic recession, will benefit silica demand. Additionally, the increasing penetration of "green" tires, which use precipitated silica to lower rolling resistance and improve motor vehicle fuel economy, will bolster demand. Chemical markets for silicas will also see strong gains in demand, as more of these products employ silica additives to improve their processability and performance. Demand in food and feed applications will be driven by an increase in processed food and beverage production, especially in the developing world. Industrial processing markets will benefit from the continued rise in demand for silicas in semiconductor polishing slurries, although the slower-growing refractory market will limit gains. Silicas in cosmetics and toiletries will also see more limited gains, as the use of silica in toothpaste is becoming increasingly mature.

Study coverage

This new industry study presents historical demand data (1999, 2004 and 2009) plus forecasts for 2014 and 2019 by product, market, world region and for 14 countries. The study also considers key market environment factors, evaluates company market share and profiles 32 global industry players.

U.S. Demand For Specialty Silicas To Reach $1.7 Billion In 2013

4/15/2009 - U.S. specialty silica demand is projected to increase 3.7 percent per year to $1.7 billion in 2013, led by healthy advances in the large precipitated silica segment. Overall volume gains are forecast to accelerate from the pace of the 2003-2008 period, benefiting from an

expected rebound in nondurable goods output through 2013. Advances in market value will be limited by a significant moderation in specialty silica pricing. These and other trends are presented in Specialty Silicas, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland, OH-based industry research firm. Precipitated silica accounts for the largest share of specialty silica demand in both volume and value terms. This silica type will also constitute the fastest-growing segment of the market, aided by above-average gains in its primary market, tire rubber. Increasing use of precipitated silica as a replacement for carbon black in tire reinforcement applications in the U.S. will offer significant opportunities for growth. Fumed silica represents the second largest product type in value terms, owing to its higher price relative to other silica types. Demand for fumed silica is expected to be healthy, benefiting from gains in small volume markets such as plastics, adhesives and sealants, cosmetics and toiletries, and food and beverages. However, growth in the large electronics market, where fumed silica finds use in chemical mechanical planarization slurries, will slow significantly from the pace of the previous decade, restrained by changes in electronics technology, competition from nonsilica materials and greater electronics production in Asia. The rubber industry is projected to remain the largest specialty silica market through 2013. All types of silica are used in rubber applications, but demand is dominated by precipitated silica, with fumed and fused types also accounting for appreciable shares of demand. Above-average advances will reflect greater use of precipitated silica in the production of “green” tires, which offer increased fuel efficiency and enhanced performance relative to conventional carbon black tires. The cosmetics and toiletries market, which represents the second largest market in value terms, will also advance at an above-average pace through 2013.

Cabot Sanmar manufactures the entire range of untreated grades of Fumed Silica with the surface area ranging from 130 sq. mt. per gram to 380 sq. mt. per gram. With an annual production capacity in excess of 1,000 tons, it has a significant domestic market share. It also manufactures certain treated grades of Fumed Silica.

Background

The global specialty silicas business, including precipitated silicas and silicates, silica gels,

colloidal silica, and fumed silica, generates revenues of close to $4.0 billion a year. Global

demand for these materials is still growing at an annual rate of about 4%, fueled by a projected

annual growth of over 5.5% in the Asia-Pacific region, and nearly 8% per year in China alone.

Despite the robust growth projections in China, other established regions have seen a slight

deceleration in growth over the past five years, as a result of a slowing global economy and the

mature nature of many of the larger end-use markets for specialty silicas. For the most part,

however, the development of several niche endues markets for specialty silicas in the

electronics, passenger tire rubber, and other industries has helped to sustain overall growth levels

above regional GDP rates. Over the last decade, many of the major players in the specialty silicas

business have expanded their manufacturing capabilities, building plants in the Asia-Pacific

region, specifically China. At the same time a number of domestic producers in China have

enhanced their capabilities to serve international markets by joint venturing with

other multinational producers, or developing the technology to produce high-quality silica

materials internally. The key drivers for this activity have been the need to serve end-use markets

that have migrated to these regions in pursuit of lower manufacturing costs, as well as the

internal demand that has emerged from the development of these market economies. The shoe

industry is a good example of this migration. When it moved to the Asia-Pacific Rim, so did a

significant share of the supply for precipitated silica, which is the favored reinforcement in

footwear. As shown in Figure 1, the Asia-Pacific Rim is now the leading region for specialty

silica consumption, with demand approaching USD 1.4 billion in 2006.

Now more than ever, the development of a business strategy in the Specialty Silicas marketplace

requires not only a detailed assessment of the long-term market opportunities for specialty

silica products, but also a complete assessment of the competitive position of each

producer. This series of reports aims to provide the basis for making such judgments.

Figure 1Estimated Regional Market Shares for Specialty Silicas

% of Total Dollar Value

A

Definition: An exceptionally pure form of silicon dioxide made by reacting silicon tetrachloride in an oxy-hydrogen flame. Particles range from 0.007 to 0.05 μm and tend to link together by a combination of fusion and hydrogen bonding to form chain-like aggregates with high surface areas. Used to impart thixotropy to liquid resins and in dry molding powders to make them free flowing. Also known as PYROGENIC SILICA.

Packaging

PackagingCAB-O-SIL fumed silicas are currently available in a wide variety ofpackages including multi-layer paper bags, semi-bulk (e.g., big bag)and bulk containers.

Packaging

The untreated grades of CAB-O-SIL fumed silica

are packaged in 10 lb multi-wall kraft paper

bags (outside the U.S., 10 kg). The bags are unitized

and sized to provide product protection,

simplify handling, and maximize payloads.

Several grades of CAB-O-SIL are available in

bulk packages. The bagged silica can be purchased

with additional protection to reduce moisture

pick-up during transportation and storage.

Treated fumed silica grades are available in 10

lb multi-wall craft paper bags (outside the U.S.,

5 kg) and palletized in plastic shrouded units.