Silica Dioxide
SILICA DIOXIDE
Molecular formula: SiO2
Synonims: Quartz, Silicic oxide, Crystalline silica flour, Silicon dioxide flour, Quartzite, Pure Silica
Silicon dioxide is an oxide of silicon, most commonly found in nature as quartz and in various living organisms. Silica is the major constituent of sand and is poorly soluble. Is one of the most complex and most abundant families of materials, existing as a compound of several minerals and as synthetic product.
Inhaling finely divided crystalline silica is toxic and can lead to severe inflammation of the lung tissue, silicosis, bronchitis, lung cancer, and systemic autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Inhalation of amorphous silicon dioxide, in high doses, leads to non-permanent short-term inflammation, where all effects heal.
USES:
* In personal care: in cosmetics, it is useful for its light-diffusing properties and natural absorbency;
* Hydrated silica is used in toothpaste as a hard abrasive to remove tooth plaque;
* In food: as a flow agent in powdered foods. It is used as an anti-caking agent in
powdered foods;
* In pharmaceutical: silica aids powder flow when tablets are formed;
* It is used in structural materials and microelectronics (as an electrical insulator);
* Used in formulation or in formulation of products such as: glass, ceramics, glass fibre, cement.
