Did you know...

 

1. Of all nanomaterials, colloidal silica is one of the most commonly produced man-made inorganic material due to its high performance versus price ratio.

2. Colloidal silica is only available predispersed in a solvent. This solution can be either aqueous or organic.

3. Colloidal silica is most commonly graded by the specific surface area (defined in m²/g). This surface area defines the average particle size.

4. The maximum concentration of silica is defined by the particle size/surface area.  Smaller particle/higher surface area sols require more solvent than larger particle/lower surface area sols.

5. Anionic colloidal silica dispersions are available stabilized with either sodium, potassium, or ammonia. Cationic dispersions are available stabilized with chloride.  Products are also available stabilized by removal of ions.

6. Typical anionic colloidal silicas are stable between a pH of 8 and 11.5, while cationic silicas are stable between a pH of 2 and 4.5.

7. Colloidal silica's stability and reactivity can be enhanced through various surface treatments including aluminium and silanes.

8. Colloidal silica has many different functions from an active charge carrier or reacting surface to a physical abrasive or high temperature binder.

Learn more about the applications or functions of colloidal silica.