What is Colloidal Silica used for?

Colloidal Silicas are suspensions of fine amorphous, nonporous, and typically spherical silica particles in a liquid phase.
Properties
Usually they are suspended in an aqueous phase that is stabilized electrostatically. Colloidal silicas exhibit particle densities in the range of 2.1 to 2.3 g/cm3.
Most colloidal silicas are prepared as monodisperse suspensions with particle sizes ranging from approximately 30 to 100 nm in diameter. Polydisperse suspensions can also be synthesized and have roughly the same limits in particle size. Smaller particles are difficult to stabilize while particles much greater than 150 nanometers are subject to sedimentation.
Colloidal silicas are most often prepared in a multi-step process where an alkali-silicate solution is partially neutralized, leading to the formation of silica nuclei. The subunits of colloidal silica particles are typically in the range of 1 to 5 nm. Whether or not these subunits are joined together depends on the conditions of polymerization. Initial acidification of a water-glass (sodium silicate) solution yields Si(OH)4.
Applications
In papermaking colloidal silica is used as a drainage aid. It increases the amount of cationic starch that can be retained in the paper. Cationic starch is added as sizing agent to increase the dry strength of the paper.
High temperature binders
Investment casting - used in moulds
An abrasive - for polishing silicon wafers
Carbonless paper
Catalysts
Moisture Absorbent
It increases the bulk & taped density of powder & granules also
Colloidal Silica is also be used in Lubrication of Tablet
Stabilizing and rigidizing refractory ceramic fiber (fiberfrax) blankets
Abrasion-resistant coatings
Increasing friction - used to coat waxed floors, textile fibers and railway tracks to promote traction
Antisoiling – fills micropores to prevent take up of dirt and other particles into textiles
Surfactant – used for flocculating, coagulating, dispersing, stabilizing etc.
Liquid silicon dioxide (colloidal silica) is used as a wine and juice fining agent.
Absorbent
Colloidal silica is used in concrete densifiers and polished concrete.
In manufacturing Quantum dots, small semi-conductors used in various scientific research settings.
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