Silicon dioxide
General Product Information
| Article | Silicon dioxide |
| Synonyms | E551, Silica, Silicon(IV) oxide, Silicic oxide, Crystalline silica, Pure Silica, Silicea, Silica sand, Quartz |
| CAS No. | 14808-60-7 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 238-87-84 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 28112200 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Silicon dioxide is an inorganic mineral found naturally in sand, quartz and granite. It is a white, crystalline powder or Colorless crystals. In the Food Industry, it is mainly used as an anti-caking agent in powdered products such as salt, sugar and spice mixtures.
Characteristics
- Odor: Odorless.
- Hygroscopic: –
- Color: White, Colorless or variablel colored crystals.
- Grade: Food.
- Solubility: Insoluble in water.
- Taste: –
- Shape: fine powder or crystals.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | SiO2 |
| Molar Weight | 60.08 g/mol |
| Melting Point | Approx. 1,710 °C. |
| Boiling Point | Approx. 2,230 °C. |
| Density | Approx. 2.65 g/cm³ (for quartz). |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | – |
Applications
Silica is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
As an anti-caking agent and carrier for flavors and dyes. As a food additive E551.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
Excipient in tablets and capsules.
3. Cosmetic Industry
Thickener and anti-caking agent.
4. Water Treatment
As a filtration material in water treatment plants.
5. Rubber & Plastics Industry
As a filler for improved mechanical properties.
Interessing Links
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information on the safety and uses of food additives and ingredients.
- PubChem – Silicon Dioxide – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Silicon dioxide