Silica sol, also known as colloidal silica, is a stable suspension of tiny silica particles in water. It is made by mixing a sodium silicate solution with an acid, which causes the silicate ions to hydrolyze and form silica particles. The particles are typically about 10-20 nanometers in diameter and have a highly uniform size distribution.
Silica sol has a number of unique properties that make it useful in a variety of applications. For example, it has a high surface area and is highly reactive, which makes it useful as a catalyst in chemical reactions. It also has a low viscosity, which makes it useful as a binder in the production of refractory materials and investment casting molds.
In addition to these industrial applications, silica sol is also used in the production of some consumer products, such as toothpaste, where it is used as a polishing agent. It is also used as a binder in some types of paints and coatings.
Overall, silica sol is a versatile and useful material that has a wide range of applications in industry and consumer products.
Colloidal silica/Silica sol is a kind of colloid which is formed by nm-grade particles SiO2, dispersed in water. It is odorless, tasteless and nontoxic and its chemical molecular formula is mSiO2·nH2O.
1. The colloid particles are minute, and the particle size can be controlled according to customers' requirements.
2. Colloidal silica/Silica sol has relatively large specific surface area, and high heat-resisting performance (1500-1600"C).
3. With low viscosity, it can soak the places where water soaks; therefore, it presents excellent dispersion and permeability.
4. When the moisture contained in silica sol is evaporated, the colloid grains firmly adhere to the material surface and the combination of silicon and oxygen is then formed between grains. It is a good adhesive.