Silica Fume, also referred to as Microsilica, emerges as a by-product during the production of Silicon and Ferro Silicon metal. It comprises incredibly small, spherical Silicon dioxide particles boasting a purity of 85 – 95% SiO2. When integrated into concrete, Silica Fume serves as a filler, refining the physical structure by occupying spaces between cement particles, thereby minimizing voids within the concrete.
Functioning as a pozzolan, Silica Fume interacts with Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), a by-product of cement hydration, to produce calcium silicate hydrates (CSH). This reaction intensifies the bond to the aggregate, curbing concrete porosity and permeability, and ultimately enhancing its strength.
Due to its amorphous structure and specific area, Silica Fume elevates sintering capabilities, promotes better packing, and bolsters the high-temperature performance of Refractory Castables. Consequently, Castables infused with Silica Fume exhibit low permeability, effectively preventing gas, slag, and metal penetration. These Castables demonstrate superior strength and reduced porosity compared to counterparts devoid of Silica Fume.
Moreover, Silica Fume offers valuable attributes in cementitious repair products. Mortars and Grouts enhanced with Silica Fume can be tailored to suit various applications, courtesy of its capacity to enhance surface adhesion, improve cohesiveness, and diminish permeability, particularly for underwater grouts.
Mineral-Loy provides Silica Fume in two forms: Undensified Silica Fume, widely employed in construction for ready-mixed concrete, and Densified Silica Fume, utilized in refractories, shotcrete, and fertilizers. While the product chemistries remain consistent, they offer different densities tailored for specific applications.
If you require Silica Fume or seek technical support for your unique application, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.