Silica fume, also known as microsilica, (CAS number 69012-64-2, EINECS number 273-761-1) is an amorphous (non-crystalline) polymorph of silicon dioxide, silica. It is an ultrafine powder collected as a by-product of the silicon and ferrosilicon alloy production and consists of spherical particles with an average particle diameter of 150 nm. The main field of application is as pozzolanic material for high performance concrete.
It is sometimes confused with fumed silica (also known as pyrogenic silica, CAS number 112945-52-5, EINECS number 231-545-4). The production process, particle characteristics and fields of application of fumed silica is however different as compared to silica fume.
Read more about Silica Fume: History, Properties, Production
Famous quotes containing the word fume:
“Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs,
Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes,
Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers’ tears.
What is it else? A madness most discreet,
A choking gall and a preserving sweet.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)