Aerosil (or silicon dioxide) is a translucent (has a slightly bluish tint), light and loose powder without aroma and taste. It turns out as a result of hydrolysis of silicon in a flame of an explosive gas (a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen as a result of combustion). The resulting substance does not combine with water. It belongs to the group of hydrophobic substances, since it precipitates without interacting with the liquid, without mixing with it. Here, in short, what is it - Aerosil. Next, we will get acquainted with this substance in more detail and find out the scope of its application.
Physiochemical properties
In its structure, Aerosil has spherical particles with a diameter of 7 to 40 nanometers. If it were possible to lay out all particles of matter in a chain, then this length would be enough to get from the Earth to the Moon 17 times.
The receipt of silicon aerosil was first registered in 1942, and since then its implementation has been realized on an industrial scale. And this was due to the wide range of uses of this substance.
The production of silicon dioxide is characterized by a different size range of small particles, depending on the conditions of the course of chemical reactions. As a result, the physicochemical properties of the substance change, and it is marked with various numbers after its main name. Therefore, after the word "Aerosil" there is always a figure indicating the size of its particles.
On the outer surface of the latter are groups of siloxane and silanol, which give the aerosil inertness to water. For this reason, it is hydrophobic and has a high chemical resistance to various reagents.
Aerosil scope
As previously mentioned, its scope is wide and affects such areas:
- construction - production of silicates, sealants, varnishes, printing inks, insulating materials, etc .;
- pharmaceuticals - the conversion of liquids into bulk powders, the manufacture of dragees, tablets, aerosols, etc. (adsorption properties allow its use in medicine);
- cosmetics - the manufacture of lotions, creams, powders, pastes, etc .;
- food - as additives.
What it is - Aerosil, you can talk for a very long time, but the above is the main area of use of this substance.
Construction application
In the construction industry, a silicon compound improves the physical and mechanical properties of materials. It increases the strength, elasticity, wear resistance and heat resistance of materials, copes well as a thickener and much more. Transparent polyester resin varnishes are also made thanks to this substance.
Aerosil enhances the mechanical properties of plastic products, has excellent insulating properties (low thermal conductivity), so it is widely used in materials that insulate cables. In addition to the above, silicon dioxide (aerosil) is used as a pigment stabilizer in the protection against corrosion of metal coatings.
Based on the foregoing, silicon dioxide is simply a unique compound. But What is aerosil, from the point of view of safety for humans? A nice addition to everything is its fire safety and non-toxicity. This compound is absolutely harmless to human health or other living things.
Use in medicine
And what is aerosil in pharmaceuticals and medicine? It turns out that colloidal silicon dioxide has good sorption with respect to enzymes, antigens, tissue breakdown products, various toxins, allergens, microorganisms, and much more. Therefore, it is used locally if necessary in the regeneration of soft tissues and skin (including purulent-inflammatory etiology), as well as inside for poisoning, intestinal infections, allergic manifestations, and gastrointestinal upset.
This compound is not split in the body, is not absorbed by the intestines and is excreted unchanged. But it does not damage the mucous membrane of the stomach and removes toxins.
Also, the appointment of preparations containing aerosil is possible with metabolic disorders, impaired liver and kidney function. He copes well with the excretion of uric acid, which negatively affects the healthy functioning of the joints.
We must not forget about the abrasive qualities of Aerosil. What is it for a simple layman? This elimination of plaque due to the delicate cleansing of the oral cavity with toothpaste.
In conclusion about a unique substance
Today, we slightly opened the curtain on a unique substance called silicon dioxide. And we hope that you can answer what it is - Aerosil. Although it will definitely be difficult to do this, since it is a universal tool, the scope of which is simply inconceivably huge.
Of the pluses - it is absolutely safe and harmless to humans, and its many positive properties can not fail to interest specialists. On an industrial scale, it will continue to be applied, and its scope will only grow year by year.