Silicon dioxide

Silicon dioxide (SiO₂), also known as silica or silicic acid, is a chemical compound consisting of silicon and oxygen. It is one of the most important inorganic oxides. It occurs naturally as quartz, sand, or silicate minerals and is produced industrially in amorphous or crystalline form.

In process engineering, silicon dioxide is used as a filler, release agent, flow aid, thickener, or adsorbent. Particularly fine-particle, pyrogenic, or precipitated silicon dioxide is added to powders to improve flow properties, reduce agglomeration, and increase free-flowing ability. Due to its large specific surface area, it strongly influences the bulk and mixing behavior of powders.

Silicon dioxide is used in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, construction materials, and plastics industries.