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Silica Matting Agent is one of the most important and abundant oxides on earth, constituting about 60% weight of the earth’s crust as silica itself or in combination with other metal oxides in silicates.
Silica Matting Agent commonly is found as sand in the vast ocean and river shores, their beds, deserts, rocks, and minerals.
Silica Matting Agent exists in several structural forms: polymorphic crystalline silica, synthetic quartz crystals, amorphous silica, and vitreous silica.
CAS Number: 7631-86-9
Molecular Formula: O2Si
Molecular Weight: 60.08
EINECS Number: 231-545-4
Synonyms: Wessalon, Zorbax sil, Silica, amorphous, Silica, colloidal, Sillikolloid, Extrusil, Santocel, Sipernat, Acticel, Carplex, Neosil, Neosyl, Porasil, Silikil, Siloxid, Zipax, colloidal silica, White carbon, Silicone dioxide, Cab-o-sil M-5, Vulkasil S, Snowtex O, Corasil II, Tokusil TPLM, Dri-Die, Manosil VN 3, Ultrasil VH 3, Ultrasil VN 3, Carplex 30, Carplex 80, Snowtex 30, Zeofree 80, Aerosil K 7, Min-U-Sil, SILICA GEL 60 PF254 FOR PREPARATIVE LAYE;LICHROSORB SI 100 (10 MYM) 10 G;TLC-SILICA GEL 60 GF254 MEAN PARTICLE SI;LICHROSORB SI 100 (10 MYM) 100 G;SEA SAND EXTRA PURE 5 KG;SILICA GEL 60 GF254 FOR THIN-LAYER CHROM;SILICA GEL 60 PF254 + 366 FOR PREPARATIV;SEA SAND EXTRA PURE 25 KG
Silica Matting Agent occurs almost everywhere on earth.
This classification is not complete as there are other forms of silica synthesized for specialized applications.
Silica Matting Agent is a amorphous silica appearing as white free flowing powder.
Silica Matting Agent has such unique properties like high mattability, good dispersion, which makes it suitable for all kinds of clear coatings.
Silica matting agent is a functional additive based on amorphous silica that is used to reduce surface gloss and create a matte or satin finish in coatings, inks, and varnishes.
It is designed to control surface appearance without significantly affecting transparency or color.
Silica Matting Agent is widely used in architectural, industrial, wood, plastic, and packaging coatings.
Structurally, silica matting agents consist of porous, irregularly shaped amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO₂) particles.
They have high internal surface area and controlled particle size distribution.
Surface-treated grades may contain organic modifications to improve dispersion and compatibility with different resin systems.
Physically, silica matting agents are supplied as fine white powders or as aqueous dispersions depending on product type.
They are insoluble in water and organic solvents but can be uniformly dispersed in liquid formulations.
They exhibit low bulk density and high oil absorption capacity due to their porous structure.
The matting effect is achieved by creating micro-roughness on the coating surface after drying or curing.
Silica Matting Agent particles protrude slightly from the film surface and scatter incident light.
This reduces specular reflection and lowers gloss while maintaining film integrity.
Silica matting agents are widely used in paints and coatings to produce matte and semi-matte finishes.
They are applied in wood coatings, furniture lacquers, wall paints, metal coatings, and plastic coatings.
They are also used in overprint varnishes and packaging inks to control gloss and improve scratch resistance.
In printing inks, they help reduce gloss and improve rub resistance of printed surfaces.
They also improve slip properties and reduce blocking in stacked printed materials.
This is important for packaging and label applications.
In industrial coatings, silica matting agents improve tactile feel and reduce fingerprint visibility.
They enhance surface durability and abrasion resistance.
They are used in automotive interior coatings and appliance coatings for aesthetic control.
From a safety perspective, amorphous silica is generally considered low toxicity.
However, inhalation of fine dust may cause respiratory irritation.
Prolonged exposure to airborne dust should be avoided by using appropriate ventilation and personal protective equipment.
Eye contact with silica powder may cause mechanical irritation and redness.
Skin contact may cause dryness after prolonged exposure.
Standard industrial hygiene practices are sufficient for safe handling.
Silica matting agents are not flammable and do not pose explosion hazards under normal conditions.
They are chemically inert and stable under typical processing temperatures.
They do not undergo hazardous chemical reactions in coating formulations.
For storage, silica matting agents should be kept in tightly closed containers in dry conditions.
Moisture uptake can lead to agglomeration and reduced dispersion efficiency.
They are compatible with most coating resins, binders, solvents, and additives, but dispersion techniques must be optimized to avoid sedimentation.
Silica matting agent is a performance-modifying additive based on synthetic amorphous silica used to precisely control surface gloss in coatings, inks, and varnishes.
Silica Matting Agent enables formulators to design finishes ranging from soft satin to deep matte without compromising film transparency or color depth.
Silica Matting Agent is essential in applications where glare reduction, surface aesthetics, and tactile quality are critical.
The silica is produced by precipitation, gel, or fumed processes, resulting in highly porous, non-crystalline silicon dioxide particles.
Manufacturing conditions control pore volume, particle morphology, and surface silanol group density.
Surface-treated grades may be hydrophobized to improve compatibility with nonpolar resin systems and to prevent moisture uptake.
Physically, silica matting agents are ultra-fine powders or stabilized dispersions with very high specific surface area.
They exhibit strong binder absorption, which influences viscosity and film structure.
Bulk density is low, and particles tend to form soft agglomerates that must be broken down during dispersion.
In liquid systems, silica absorbs part of the binder and protrudes from the coating surface after film formation.
This micro-protrusion generates controlled surface roughness at the micron and submicron scale.
Incoming light is diffusely scattered rather than reflected, producing reduced gloss and uniform matte appearance.
Melting point: >1600 °C(lit.)
Boiling point: >100 °C(lit.)
Density: 2.2-2.6 g/mL at 25 °C
bulk density: 200-800kg/m3
vapor pressure: 13.3hPa at 1732℃
refractive index: 1.46
Flash point: 2230°C
storage temp.: 2-8°C
solubility: Practically insoluble in water and in mineral acids except hydrofluoric acid. It dissolves in hot solutions of alkali hydroxides.
form: suspension
pka: 6.65-9.8[at 20 ℃]
Silica Matting Agent is an amorphous silica–based functional additive used to control gloss and produce matte or silk-matte surfaces in coatings, inks, and varnishes.
Silica Matting Agent allows formulators to precisely adjust surface appearance without significantly affecting color tone or transparency.
It is widely used where aesthetic surface quality and tactile feel are important.
Silica Matting Agent is composed of synthetically produced amorphous silicon dioxide with a highly porous internal structure.
Particle size, pore volume, and surface chemistry are carefully controlled during manufacturing.
Some grades are surface-treated with organic silanes or waxes to improve compatibility with solvent-based, water-based, or UV-curable systems.
Silica Matting Agents are supplied as fine white powders, granules, or as pre-dispersed slurries.
They are insoluble in both water and organic solvents but are easily dispersible under proper shear conditions.
They typically exhibit low bulk density, high oil absorption, and large specific surface area.
The matting effect occurs when silica particles migrate to and remain partially exposed at the coating surface.
This creates microscopic surface roughness that scatters incident light in multiple directions.
As a result, specular reflection is reduced and the coating appears matte.
The degree of matting depends on particle size distribution, loading level, and film thickness.
Smaller particles provide softer matte effects, while larger particles produce deeper matte finishes.
Porosity also influences how much binder is absorbed and how strongly particles protrude from the surface.
Silica matting agents are widely used in architectural paints to reduce wall gloss and hide surface imperfections.
They are used in wood coatings for furniture, flooring, and decorative panels to produce natural matte finishes.
They are also applied in metal and plastic coatings where glare reduction is required.
In packaging and printing inks, they reduce surface gloss and improve rub resistance.
They help prevent blocking when printed sheets are stacked.
They also improve slip and anti-stick properties of ink films.
In industrial coatings, they improve scratch resistance and reduce visible fingerprints.
They enhance tactile properties, producing soft-touch or velvet-like surfaces.
They are commonly used in appliance coatings and automotive interior components.
In UV-curable coatings, specially treated silica matting agents improve dispersion and prevent sedimentation.
They maintain curing efficiency without interfering with photoinitiator activity.
This allows stable matte UV coatings with fast curing speeds.
From a safety standpoint, amorphous silica is considered to have low systemic toxicity.
However, inhalation of airborne dust may cause irritation of the respiratory tract.
Dust control measures and local exhaust ventilation are recommended during handling.
Eye contact may cause mechanical irritation due to abrasive particles.
Skin contact may cause dryness with prolonged exposure.
Personal protective equipment such as goggles and gloves is recommended for industrial use.
Silica matting agents are not combustible and do not present fire or explosion hazards.
They are chemically inert and do not react with common coating ingredients.
They remain stable at high processing and curing temperatures.
Environmentally, amorphous silica is not classified as hazardous to aquatic life.
However, large releases of fine particulate matter should be avoided.
Waste disposal should follow local industrial waste regulations.
For storage, silica matting agents must be kept in dry, sealed containers to prevent moisture absorption and agglomeration.
Moisture can negatively affect dispersion and matting efficiency.
They are compatible with most resin systems including acrylic, polyurethane, epoxy, polyester, nitrocellulose, and alkyd resins, but dispersion technique and formulation balance are critical for optimal performance.
Silica Matting Agent are extensively used in waterborne, solventborne, and UV-curable coatings.
They are applied in furniture coatings, parquet finishes, wall paints, plastic coatings, and protective industrial layers.
They allow designers to tailor visual appearance while maintaining mechanical durability.
In printing inks and overprint varnishes, they control gloss, improve rub resistance, and reduce blocking.
They enhance anti-slip properties of packaging surfaces.
This is critical for logistics, labeling, and stacking performance.
In soft-touch coatings, silica contributes to velvet-like tactile perception.
It reduces fingerprint visibility and surface smudging.
This is important in consumer electronics, appliances, and automotive interior panels.
In powder coatings, specially engineered silica grades improve matting while maintaining flow and leveling.
They help avoid surface defects such as craters and pinholes.
They also improve powder flowability during processing.
From a toxicological viewpoint, amorphous silica is not classified as carcinogenic and is considered biologically inert.
However, inhalation of fine respirable dust can cause mechanical lung irritation.
Long-term occupational exposure should be minimized using engineering controls.
Eye exposure can cause abrasion-like irritation due to particle hardness.
Skin exposure may cause dryness or mild irritation after prolonged contact.
Appropriate PPE including dust masks, goggles, and gloves is recommended.
Silica matting agents are non-flammable and thermally stable under coating curing temperatures.
Uses Of Silica Matting Agent:
Silica Matting Agent is also known as silicone dioxide.
Silica Matting Agent has a variety of applications: to control a product’s viscosity, add bulk, and reduce a formulation’s transparency.
Silica Matting Agent can also function as an abrasive.
In addition, it can act as a carrier for emollients, and may be used to improve a formulation’s skin feel.
Spherical silica is porous and highly absorbent, with absorption capabilities roughly 1.5 times its weight.
A typical claim associated with silica is oil control.
Silica Matting Agent is found in sunscreens, scrubs, and wide range of other skin care, makeup, and hair care preparations.
Silica Matting Agent has been successfully used in hypoallergenic and allergy-tested formulations.
Silica matting agents are used to reduce surface gloss and produce matte or satin finishes in coatings and inks.
They allow precise control of gloss levels without significantly affecting color, transparency, or film integrity.
They are essential for aesthetic surface design in many industrial and decorative applications.
In architectural paints, they are used to create low-gloss wall finishes that reduce glare and hide surface defects.
They improve visual uniformity and enhance the perception of smooth, premium surfaces.
They are widely used in interior wall paints and decorative coatings.
In wood coatings, they are used in furniture lacquers, parquet finishes, and decorative panels.
They help achieve natural-looking matte wood appearance while maintaining scratch resistance.
They also improve tactile feel of coated wood surfaces.
In industrial coatings, they are applied in metal and plastic coatings to reduce gloss and improve surface durability.
They reduce fingerprint visibility and improve abrasion resistance.
They are used in appliances, machinery, and protective industrial finishes.
In automotive interior coatings, they are used to achieve low-reflective, soft-touch surfaces.
They improve driver comfort by reducing glare on dashboards and trim parts.
They also enhance resistance to wear and surface marking.
In printing inks and overprint varnishes, they reduce gloss and improve rub and scratch resistance.
They prevent blocking when printed materials are stacked or rolled.
They are widely used in packaging, labels, and decorative printing.
In UV-curable coatings and inks, specially treated silica matting agents maintain matting efficiency without interfering with curing.
They allow fast curing while producing uniform matte surfaces.
They are used in high-speed industrial printing and coating lines.
In powder coatings, they are used to achieve matte finishes while maintaining good flow and leveling.
They reduce surface defects and improve coating appearance after curing.
They are used in furniture, metal structures, and outdoor equipment coatings.
In specialty coatings, they are used in soft-touch, anti-slip, and anti-glare surfaces.
They improve tactile comfort and safety.
They are applied in consumer electronics, packaging films, and safety coatings.
They are also used as rheology modifiers that help control settling and improve formulation stability.
They contribute to uniform particle distribution during storage and application.
This supports consistent product quality over shelf life.
Silica matting agents are primarily used to control surface gloss by creating matte or semi-matte finishes in coatings and inks.
They allow formulators to fine-tune gloss levels from low satin to deep matte by adjusting particle size and dosage.
This enables precise aesthetic control without altering color strength or transparency.
In architectural coatings, they are used in interior and exterior wall paints to reduce glare and improve visual comfort.
They help mask surface irregularities and improve perceived smoothness of walls.
They are widely used in premium decorative paints and designer finishes.
In wood coatings, silica matting agents are used in furniture lacquers, parquet floor finishes, cabinetry, and decorative panels.
They create natural, non-shiny wood appearances while maintaining abrasion and scratch resistance.
They also improve tactile feel, giving soft and warm surface textures.
In industrial metal coatings, they are used to produce low-gloss protective finishes.
They improve scratch resistance and reduce visibility of handling marks.
They are applied in machinery parts, metal furniture, and protective industrial equipment.
In plastic coatings, they are used to control gloss and improve surface feel.
They reduce surface stickiness and improve resistance to scuffing.
They are applied in housings for electronics, household appliances, and consumer products.
In automotive interior coatings, they are used to minimize reflections on dashboards, door panels, and trim components.
They improve visual comfort and reduce driver distraction.
They also enhance resistance to fingerprints and surface wear.
In packaging and label printing inks, they reduce gloss and improve rub resistance.
They prevent blocking during stacking and transport.
They improve handling properties in high-speed packaging lines.
In overprint varnishes, they provide uniform matte finishes without clouding printed graphics.
They protect printed surfaces from abrasion and moisture.
They are widely used in food packaging and pharmaceutical cartons.
In UV-curable coatings and inks, specially treated silica grades allow matting without inhibiting curing reactions.
They maintain dispersion stability under high-energy curing conditions.
They are used in digital printing, wood UV coatings, and industrial UV lines.
Safety Profile Of Silica Matting Agent:
The pure unaltered form is considered a nuisance dust.
Some deposits contain small amounts of crystahne quartz and are therefore fibrogenic.
When diatomaceous earth is calcined (with or without fluxing agents) some Silica Matting Agent is converted to cristobalite and is therefore fibrogenic.
Tridymite has never been detected in calcined batomaceous earth.
Silica matting agents based on amorphous silica are generally considered to have low systemic toxicity.
They are not classified as carcinogenic in their amorphous form, unlike crystalline silica.
However, health risks are mainly associated with mechanical irritation from fine dust particles.
Inhalation of airborne silica dust may cause irritation of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract.
High concentrations of dust can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, and discomfort.
Long-term occupational exposure to fine particulate dust should be minimized using ventilation and dust control systems.
Eye contact with silica powder may cause mechanical irritation, redness, and watering due to abrasive particles.
Particles may scratch the corneal surface if not promptly removed.
Protective goggles are recommended during handling and processing.
Skin contact may cause dryness and mild irritation after prolonged exposure.
Repeated contact can lead to rough or cracked skin in sensitive individuals.
Protective gloves and barrier creams can reduce skin exposure.
