01 What is fumed silica
Fumed silica is an amorphous silicon dioxide powder obtained by burning silicon tetrachloride and methyl silicon trioxide in an oxygen-hydrogen flame. The smallest particle size of this powder can reach the nanometer level, and it is a commonly used nano-inorganic material.

02 The relationship between fumed silica and carbon black
Fumed silica and carbon black have many similarities. They are both small powders with a very high specific surface area, which makes them have strong surface activity, good compatibility and dispersion, and are suitable as Fillers are added to various materials such as: plastics, rubber, coatings, which is the reason for their similar names.
The difference between fumed silica and carbon black is that carbon black is amorphous carbon, while fumed silica is amorphous silica, and their compositions are completely different.

03 Nine uses of fumed silica
The primary particle size of fumed silica is between 7 and 80nm, and the specific surface area is generally greater than 100㎡/g. It has a nano effect and exhibits various excellent properties in materials. It is mainly used as an additive and filler, and has a wide range of uses. It can add many properties that the base material does not have.
Filling reinforcement: Adding fumed silica to the matrix material can improve the mechanical properties such as tensile strength and modulus of the material.
Flame retardant and smoke suppression: The combination of fumed silica and flame retardant can help improve the flame retardant effect of the material and reduce the amount of smoke generated during combustion.
Flow-increasing effect: Fumed silica can enhance the fluidity of dispersed particles in the dispersion system and prevent particles from consolidating and settling.
Thickening effect: Adding fumed silica to paints and inks can make the paints reach the desired viscosity.
Decolorization effect: Similar to carbon black, the high surface energy provides a strong adsorption effect for fumed silica, which can absorb colored impurities in liquids.
Catalyst carrier: Fumed silica can be evenly dispersed in solvent and matrix. Fumed white carbon black is used as a carrier to carry the catalyst into the system, which helps to improve the activity and efficiency of the catalyst.
Matting effect: light will be refracted through the phase interface between fumed silica and the matrix material, which reduces the reflective effect of the material.
Defoaming effect: Adding fumed silica to the fluid can reduce the generation of bubbles.
Polishing agent: fumed silica is hard and small in particle size, similar to a whetstone, and can be used for surface polishing of materials.
In addition, fumed silica has many different uses, which are used in medicine, research, chemical industry, daily use, cosmetics and other fields. According to the research report of Global Market Insights, the global fumed silica market is valued at US$1.59 billion in 2020, and is expected to exceed US$2.3 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4% from 2021 to 2027.

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