Silica - an additive for the plastics industry

Silica (especially fumed silica/precipitated silica) is widely used as a dispersing additive in resin systems.

1. The role of silica in plastic products
Silica is an additive added during the mixing of resin materials before production to:

• Improve the dispersion of pigments and fillers
• Prevent settling and phase separation
• Stabilize viscosity (create thixotropic properties)
• Help to make the resin system more homogeneous

2. Dispersion Mechanism of Silica

• Silicate particles are very small (nano-micron)
• Their surface has many –OH groups
• When dispersed in resins or resin solvent products, silica:

              - Creates a weak network

              - Keeps pigment/filler particles from clumping

              - Helps them distribute evenly in the resin

3. Commonly Used Silica Types
Depending on the resins , there will be a choice of suitable silica product groups:

Fumed Silica

- Most common

- Highly effective in: Epoxy resins, PU, ​​Polyester

Precipitated Silica

- Cheaper

- Larger particles

- Lower dispersion efficiency than fumed silica

Surface Treatment Silica
- Suitable for hydrophobic resins

- Provides better dispersion in: Solvent-based resins, Thermoplastic resins

For advice on silica applications in resin systems, please contact us at the following information:
HUST MEN JSC
Hotline: (+84) 93 323 1996
Email: admin@hustmen.com