Silicon dioxide (chemical formula: SiO2, silica) is a colorless crystalline, glassy or mineral. This mineral is widely used in construction, in the production of chemical products and radio engineering, in aircraft construction and many other industries.

Distribution of silica in nature

Silicon dioxide is found in the earth's crust in the form of mixtures with some other minerals (they are called granites) and in the form of silicates, it is part of the rocks. The most common mineral in nature is quartz; cristobalite, chalcedony, tridymite, opals, and leschatellerite (quartz glass) are much less common. Small quartz crystals form the so-called "vein" quartz. With the gradual destruction of rocks, quartz sands are formed, which, when compacted, lead to the appearance of quartzites and sandstones.

Rock crystal is the purest quartz, colorless. Its crystals can weigh tens of tons and reach lengths of several meters. Also, quartz can be colored with various impurities in purple (amethyst), yellow (citrine), black (morion), smoky (rauchtopaz). Cryptocrystalline forms of quartz are also found in nature: these are red-pink carnelian, green-apple chrysoprase, bluish sapphire, finely colored jasper, onyxes and sandy agates, hornfelses and flints.

Unique "noble" opal, which consists of colloidal homogeneous particles with a diameter of approximately 0.2 microns. These particles are densely packed into ordered agglomerates and contain less than one percent water (in most opals, about seven percent). Natural deposits of silicon dioxide can also form diatomite, tripoli. The shells and skeletons of some sponges are built from this mineral. It is part of the stems of plants - such as reed, horsetail, bamboo.

How is silicon dioxide produced?

Synthetic SiO2 can be obtained:

By exposure to hydrochloric (HCl) or sulfuric (H2SO4) acids less often - on other soluble silicates (this method is the main one in developed countries);

Using colloidal silicon dioxide (by freezing or coagulating it under the action of F-, Na + ions);

By hydrolysis of silicon fluoride SiF4, silicon tetrachloride SiCl4, tetraethoxysilane (C2H5O)4Si, solid desublimate (NH4)2SiF6 in gas form, as well as in aqueous ammonia and aqueous solutions (sometimes with the addition of organic bases or ethanol).

Amorphous silicon dioxide is obtained:

From diatomite and tripoli;

calcination of rice husks;

Grinding fused quartz sand.

Anhydrous silica powders get:

Using chemical vapor deposition;

By hydrolysis and oxidation of vapors of pyrogenic silica and silicon fluoride;

By burning vapors of silicon tetrachloride SiCl4 in a mixture of O2 and H2.

How is silicon dioxide used?

Natural silica is used in the manufacture of products made of porcelain, concrete, abrasives, silicate bricks, ceramics, faience, dinas, silicate glasses;

Synthetic silica (“white soot”) is used as a filler in the production of rubber;

Quartz single crystals have found application in radio engineering (filters, piezoelectric frequency stabilizers, resonators), in acoustoelectronics and acousto-optics, in jewelry, in optical instrumentation;

Rock crystal and synthetic silica are used as raw materials for the production of quartz glass, quartz single crystals, quartz fibers and ceramics. In turn, ceramics are used in the aviation industry, optics, electronics and other industries. Quartz fabric is used as a material that retains heat, and quartz fibers are used to create fiber-optic systems and communication lines.

Physical and chemical properties of aerosil (silicon dioxide)

Aerosil(from the Latin word - Aerosilum), oxyls (from the Latin word - Oxylum) silicon dioxide, Silica colloidalis anhydrica (Ph. Eur.), Colloidal silicon dioxide (USP), Colloidal anhydrous silica (BP), Silica (CAS No. 7631-86-9) - amorphous silica anhydrous, belongs to the group of synthetic active highly dispersed mineral fillers. In pharmacy, aerosil (silicon dioxide) is used as an auxiliary substance, stabilizer, gelling agent, adsorbent, improves the fluidity of tableted, ointment, gel and other mixtures. Sometimes silicon dioxide is used as an active pharmacological ingredient (has bactericidal properties, detoxicant, sorbent).

receive silica by hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride vapor in a hydrogen flame at >1000°C (1100-1400°C). The resulting product is a white, amorphous, non-porous, indifferent powder sprayed, contains 99.3% SiO2; has a high dispersion (particle diameter 4-40 microns, have a spherical or almost spherical shape), the specific adsorption surface is 50-450 m2/g; bulk volume approximately 50 g/l, density 2.36 g/cm3; pH of the aqueous suspension - 4.0; refractive index n20D = 1.46. Aerosil is insoluble in water, acids and dilute alkalis. At a concentration of aerosil in water in an amount of 10-12%, a low-viscosity fluid suspension is formed, at 17% - a semi-rigid mass, at 20% - a granular mass, which, when rubbed, turns into a homogeneous ointment-like mass. Due to its high affinity for water, aerosil is classified as a hydrophilic substance. But silicon dioxide (aerosil) brand R972 has hydrophobic properties.

There are several aerosil (silicon dioxide) brands, which differ mainly in the size of the specific surface, the degree of hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, as well as the presence of other filler substances. According to the definition of the nomenclature commission, amorphous silicon dioxide was called oxide. In Ukraine, a chemical and metallurgical plant under the license of Degussa produces unmodified standard aerosil grades 175; 300 380 with hydrophilic surface; methylaerosil AM-1/175 and AM-1/300 modified with dimethyldichlorosilane; etherorganoaerosil grades ADEG-175 and ADEG-300, modified with ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, and AM-2, modified with amino alcohols. Modified aerosil is produced in the USA - organosil and kebosil (Cabot firm), in Russia - butosil, aerosil-K, which is a combination of 85% silicon dioxide and 15% starch, aerosil grade SOK-84, which is a coagulant of 85% silicon dioxide and 14% ammonium oxide. In Germany, Degussa manufactures hydrated grades of aerosil containing bound water (durosil, vulcasin, syflox, ultrasil, etc.), which differ in the content of SiO2, particle diameter, density and properties), aerosil in the form of suspensions (K-314, contains 14% A., K-328, contains 28% A.). In Japan, microsil and worn are produced, in France - francil, in England - manosil. For cosmetics, it can be produced in the form of a paste. Aerosil has recently been included in the pharmacopoeias of various countries (Hungary, Denmark, Austria, etc.). In the US, silicon dioxide (aerosil) is also allowed as a food additive in the amount of 2%.

Aerosil refers to the theory of "pure" substances that release active ingredients without expending energy. Electron microscopic studies have shown that each main particle of aerosil consists of four separate layers (figure). The core of this particle is a three-dimensional polymer of SiO2 elements. Having Silane Si-OH and siloxane Si-O-Si groups on the surface of the particles, Aerosil is able to create a pattern-like framework due to hydrogen bonds, which makes it possible to limit the thermal expansion of the thickened liquid. Siloxane and silane groups in aerosil are functional, and the silicon-oxygen bond is characterized by high strength (reaches 372.5 J/mol), which is explained by its polarity, due to which the covalent bond approaches the ionic bond.

Table - The main properties of silicon dioxide (aerosil)

Picture. Aerosil spatial grid structure in hydrogel

The silanol groups are unevenly distributed. There are surface silane groups, which can be free or connected by hydrogen bridges, and silanol groups within the molecule, which can also be connected to each other by hydrogen bridges. As a result, a branched bulk structure is created, as a result of which aerosil is classified as an inorganic polymer. Siloxane groups have hydrophobic properties, they are stable (OH silanol groups are split off at temperatures > 300 ° C), they cause an acid reaction; have hydroxyl groups both on the surface and inside aerosil molecules. When evenly distributed, every second silicon atom has a hydroxyl group on the surface.

This causes three types of aerosil interaction: physical adsorption, chemical adsorption (formation of hydrogen bridges by silanol groups with water, alcohols, acids and other substances) and chemical reactions on the surface of the molecule. So, silanol groups interact with alcohols, forming ethers.

Aerosil (silicon dioxide) has good sorption properties, absorbs from 15 to 60% of various liquids, depending on their nature, without changing the appearance and flowability of the powder. The first layer of water is absorbed by Aerosil by creating hydrogen bridges (chemical adsorption), and subsequent layers are absorbed by physical adsorption. Physically adsorbed water is released at 25-150°C, while chemically adsorbed water is released at 800°C.

Aerosil, which is used for the production of drugs, must be of high purity. Table 1 shows the chemical composition of the different brands of Aerosil, which may have certain impurities from the manufacturing processes, such as traces of hydrochloric acid, which causes a pH of 4% aqueous polymer suspension (3.6-4.3). So, aerosil (silicon dioxide) behaves like a weak acid.

Table 1 - Chemical composition of various grades of Aerosil (in terms of dry matter, according to M.M. Astrakhanov)

Content, %	Aerosil grades, composition, %
	200; 300; 380	0	SOK84	R972	Combined
SiO2	>99,87	>99,8	82–86	>98,3	85
Al2O2			14–18		–
Fe2O3					–
TiO2			–	0,03	–
Na2O		–	–	–	–
As		–	–	–	–
B2O3		–	–	–	–
Bi2O3		–	–	–	–
P2O5		–	–	–	–
HCl				–	0,05
Starch	–	–	–	–	–

Table 2 shows the most important physico-chemical properties of different Aerosil brands, which are widely used in the manufacture of drugs

Table 2. Physical and chemical properties of different grades of aerosil

Index	Aerosil brands
	200	300	380	0	SOK-84	R-972
Specific surface, m2/g	200±25	300±30	380±30	200±25	170±30	120±30
Loss on ignition,%	1	2	2,5	1	1	2
Average particle size	12	7	7	12	–	16
Moisture content, % (dried at 105 °С)	–	1,5	1,5	1,5	0,5	2,5
Saturated mass, g/l, standard (non-pressed) pressed	≈60≈120
Porosity	Porous			non-porous
pH 4% aqueous dispersion	3,6–4,3		–	–	3,6–4,3 3.5–4.1 (in methanol)

AT production of medicines aerosil used as a stabilizer for suspension oil liniments. It has a high ability to adsorb various liquids. The addition of aerosil to the composition of oil and water-alcohol-glycerin suspension liniments contributes to an increase in the sedimentation, aggregation and aggregation stability of these systems, the creation of a sufficiently strong spatial structure capable of holding immobilized liquid phase with suspended particles of pharmaceutical substances in cells. In water and water-alcohol suspensions, the stabilizing effect of Aerosil is mainly due to electrostatic forces. Settling of solid particles in stabilized water-alcohol suspensions occurs 3 times slower than in non-stabilized systems. The stabilizing effect of Aerosil increases in the presence of a small amount of surfactants, for example, Tween-80. The presence of aerosil (at a concentration of 1.0-5.0%) in emulsions and suspensions increases their stability, the ability to better fix on the skin and the effectiveness of the therapeutic effect. With water and alcohol silicon dioxide at a concentration of 3% creates cloudy suspensions, the fractions of which have a negative charge.

One of the properties of aerosil is its thickening (thickener) ability (Table 3).

Table 3. Thickening effect of Aerosil-200

This property is used to obtain aerosil-containing gels and ointment bases, which include aerosil. As a liquid phase for their compositions, a polyethylsiloxane liquid called Esilon-5 or Esilon-4, fish oil, PEG-400, castor oil, fatty oils and the like are used. Esilon-5 thickened with 16% aerosil, known as Vaseline KV-E / 16, does not irritate the skin, does not interfere with the absorption of active substances. Used as a liquid phase thickener aerosil (silicon dioxide) in the amount of 8-16%. The resulting gels have a soft plastic consistency, are well distributed and fixed on the skin. They have good colloidal stability at elevated temperatures (≥40 ° C), retain the necessary consistency, which does not change even at 100 ° C, and therefore aerosil-containing gels and ointments can be used in tropical climates. In terms of structural and mechanical properties, gels containing aerosil constitute thixotropic plastic thermostable systems and have antimicrobial stability. The quantitative content of aerosil in the system affects the rheological and biopharmaceutical properties of the gels. An increase in silicon dioxide in the composition of gels leads to an increase in their plastic viscosity and thixotropic properties, while the release of the active pharmacological ingredient noticeably slows down.

The use of aerosil (silicon dioxide) in the medical and veterinary pharmaceutical industry

Aerosil is used in the production of tablets in a concentration of 0.1-0.5% as a sliding and loosening (0.1-2.0%) substance, which reduces the time of their disintegration, facilitates the granulation process, improves the fluidity of the tablet mass. The adsorptive properties of Aerosil are used in the production of powders, extracts and other pharmaceutical preparations.

Aerosil-containing pharmaceutical systems do not exhibit irritating and toxic effects. The same properties are inherent in ointments when using esilon and aerosil as the base (composition of esilon-5, thickened with 15% aerosil in the manufacture of ointments with antibiotics and corticosteroids). Ointments with aerosil (silicon dioxide) are easily squeezed out of the tubes, are well fixed on the skin, have a prolonged action.

Literature

Zhoglo F., Vozniak V., Popovich V., Bogdan Ya. Auxiliary substances and their application in the technology of dosage forms. - Lvov, 1996; Pertsev I.M., Kotenko A.M., Chueshov A.V., Khaleeva E.L. Pharmaceutical and biological aspects of ointments: Monograph. - H., 2003; Pechkovskaya K.A. Rubber filling. In: Encyclopedia of polymers. In 3 volumes - M., 1974.

Silica, in Latin Silicondioxide, silica is silicon dioxide. What is such a compound? These are solid crystals, colorless, odorless, they are quite hard, durable, ductile and refractory. In nature, this is the most common quartz, the smallest transparent grains of sand that are formed during the oxidation of silicon (Si).

SiO₂ is the molecular (chemical) formula of silicon dioxide.

Properties of silicon dioxide

This compound is a higher, tetravalent acidic silicon oxide. It has ideal resistance to oxygen, various acids (at a melting point of 1,600 ºС, it dissolves with hydrofluoric acid, alkalis). Silicon dioxide is insoluble in water and is a dielectric (does not conduct current).

Siliconium dioxide is an ideal alkali neutralizer.

Silica production for the food industry

In the food industry, SiO₂ is used as a food additive, which has its own index in the European code system - E551.

Silicon dioxide in its pure form is not used in the food industry. It uses powdered Silicon Dioxide, in other words, "white carbon", amorphous silica.

The production of E551 is carried out at specialized factories by two methods of artificial synthesis: by heating Si in an oxygen environment at a temperature equal to five hundred degrees Celsius, an oxidative reaction occurs, resulting in white soot, and in special sterilizers at tº 1,000 ºС, Silicon-Tetrachloride vapors react into hydrogen flame (second method).

Synthesized Silicondioxide belongs to a group of emulsifiers that provide uniformity to mixtures of naturally occurring immiscibles such as oil (of vegetable and animal origin) and fat with water.

The use of the E551 emulsifier in food production is allowed in all countries without exception (including the Russian Federation, Belarus, Ukraine, European countries), provided that its content in the finished product does not exceed the limit, i.e. 30 gr/kg. It does not harm health, it is safe to use.

Special requirements are imposed on the packaging and storage conditions of the food additive.

For packaging, bags made of durable polyethylene or special wrapping paper (kraft), as well as polypropylene (mandatory presence of a polyethylene insert) are used.

Food supplement E551 should be stored in a dry, closed room under the established humidity regime and certain ventilation.

The use of silicon dioxide

Until the unique properties of the substance were studied, it was mainly used to make building materials such as concrete and cement.

But as scientists, physicians, physiologists, chemists studied Siliconadioxide, other signs of it became known. The substance began to be used in radio engineering, in the production of refractory materials and rubber.

Due to its properties, the substance has found wide application in various industries, including food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetology.

Silicon dioxide crystallineAmorphous (powdered) silicon dioxideColloidal silicon dioxide

The substance is widely distributed in nature. It is found in rocks - minerals, in agate, jasper, chalcedony, amethyst, rock crystal. It is widely used in construction, as well as in the production of glass, ceramic and concrete products. In these industries, its purity is not important.	This substance is rarely found in nature in its pure form. This is tripoli (kieselguhr), which is formed on the seabed for a long time. Nowadays, it is obtained synthetically in the factory. It is used mainly for industrial purposes.	The substance has found wide application in medicine as an absorbent (Siliciumdioxidecolloidal removes toxic substances from the body) and a thickener (in the manufacture of ointments, gels, petroleum jelly, suspensions). In cosmetology (in the composition of toothpastes, as a bleaching agent; in scrubs, powders, lotions). It is obtained under industrial conditions from highly dispersed silicon dioxide.

In the food industry, the emulsifier is used as an anticoagulant (stabilizer) and neutralizer, as well as a thickener. It helps products to maintain flowability, prevents the formation of lumps and caking:

• silicon dioxide is added to ready-made bulk products, such as sugar, salt, flour, spices, as well as milk powder and cream, starch, egg powder, various seasonings and spices, and others;
• in dairy products in the manufacture of cheeses (to preserve their structure), silica is also used;
• it is also an indispensable component in the production of coffee, cocoa;
• E551 is also included in the composition of beer as an absorbent, contributes to the clarification of the drink, increases its exposure;
• it is widely used in the production of chips, crackers, all kinds of snacks, enhances the aroma of consumer products;
• in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages, silica is also used to stabilize acidity and neutralize excess alkalis;
• the production of confectionery and culinary products is not complete without the use of the E551 emulsifier; they treat sweet surfaces, with the exception of those covered with chocolate. It affects the terms of product sales, prolongs it (provides freshness, prevents products from sticking together), enhances taste and aroma.

Impact on the human body, benefits and harms

Until the end, the effect on the body of silicon dioxide has not been studied by scientists, but from their research today it can be concluded that the substance does not harm health when used correctly.

Silicon dioxide is completely excreted from the body, is not absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, Silicondioxide is present in the body, in blood and plasma.

Based on his practice, a German physiologist proved that silica is useful for humans, it prevents and prevents atherosclerosis, strengthens and cleanses blood vessels. Silicon water has not only absorbent properties, removes toxins and toxic substances from the human body, but also antibacterial.

There is a theory that the substance has a positive effect on the human body and reduces the risk of further development of a disease such as Alzheimer's disease. However, this is only a hypothesis that scientists have to prove.

One thing is clear that significant harm to health can be caused by silicon dioxide dust when it is inhaled (only in industrial production). It can serve the development of diseases such as silicosis of the lungs. Moderate use of food additive E551 is safe for health.

Silicon dioxide (E551)

updated:

December 21, 2017

Source: https://FoodandHealth.ru/dobavki/dioksid-kremniya-e551/

Food additive silicon dioxide (E551) - effect on the human body and properties

The impact of silicon on the human body is difficult to overestimate. The mineral is responsible for the flexibility and elasticity of bones, the strength of nails, the health of hair, and promotes tissue repair. "No organism can exist and develop without silicon," Academician V. I. Vernadsky argued.

Silicon does not occur naturally in nature. In the form of dioxide, it is present in jasper, rock crystal, agate, amethyst, topaz and other valuable ornamental minerals.

In the food industry, silicon dioxide is used as a safe multifunctional food additive.

The product's name

Silicon dioxide is the common name for the additive. The international option is Silicon Dioxide. The code in the European Digital System of Food Additives is E 551 (E-551).

Synonyms:

• silica;
• silicon dioxide amorphous;
• white soot;
• silicon oxide (IV);
• silicic anhydride;
• aerosil;
• silica gel;
• Silizium dioxid, German;
• dioxyde de silizium, French.

Substance type

Additive E 551 belongs to the group of emulsifiers.

Silicon dioxide is a natural substance. In its natural form, it exists in the form of quartz (the mineral that makes up sand).

In the food industry, an artificially synthesized substance of high purity (amorphous silicon dioxide) is used. It is obtained by heating silicon in an oxygen atmosphere. The oxidative reaction proceeds at temperatures up to 500°C.

Another method is the hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride vapors in a hydrogen flame. Synthesis is carried out in special autoclaves at a temperature of 1000ºC.

Natural silicon dioxide is used only in construction, glass and similar industries, where the purity of the material does not play a significant role.

Properties

Additive E 551 is usually packaged in kraft paper or dense polyethylene bags. It is allowed to pack the product in polypropylene bags with an additional polyethylene insert.

Application

Emulsifier E 551 is included in the list of approved food products.

Silicon dioxide as an excipient:

• prevents caking and clumping of bulk products. Added to flour, semolina, spicy seasonings, milk powder, sugar, egg powder, salt and its analogues;
• stabilizes the texture of grated or sliced ​​cheeses;
• effectively converts liquid into a free-flowing mass, preserves and emphasizes the aroma (chips, beer snacks, crackers and similar products);
• stabilizes acidity, neutralizes excess alkali in alcoholic beverages (including brandy);
• clarifies beer due to the adsorption of proteins clouding the drink, increases its durability.

The emulsifier is used for surface treatment of sugary confectionery products (except chocolate). This prevents brittleness, sticking, prolongs the shelf life.

The additive is allowed in all countries. Its quantity should not exceed 30 g/kg of the finished food product.

A significant amount of emulsifier E 551 is used for the needs of pharmaceuticals and medicine. Usually, under the name Aerosil, the substance is used as an active fine filler in emulsions, tablets, gels, and ointments. Silicon dioxide is included in the pharmacopoeias of Austria, Hungary, Denmark.

The product performs a number of active and auxiliary functions:

• Colloidal silicon dioxide in the form of loose powder is used as an effective enterosorbent. The substance binds and removes toxins from the body, including salts of heavy metals.
• The additive is part of suspensions that alleviate flatulence (for example, Espumizana). Silicon dioxide stabilizes the emulsion, enhances the effect of the active ingredient.
• Due to the adsorbing qualities, the substance in the form of a gel or ointment is used externally for the treatment of purulent wounds, the treatment of phlegmon, mastitis and other diseases. The drug has an antimicrobial effect, is easily distributed over the surface of the skin, does not irritate, does not cause allergies.
• As a thickener, it is used in the composition of fish oil, petroleum jelly, glycerin, cetyl alcohol.

Manufacturers of cosmetics did not ignore the additive E 551. Basically, the substance is used in the composition of toothpastes as an absolutely safe whitening abrasive. Silicon dioxide does not destroy tooth enamel and is safe if accidentally swallowed.

The substance as an auxiliary component is used in the production of creams, lotions, powders, scrubs for various skin types. Aerosil helps to mask uneven skin, eliminate oily sheen, smooth out fine wrinkles. Effectively removes dead cells and cleanses the dermis.

Silicon dioxide does not conduct electricity, is considered one of the best dielectrics (provided that there are no impurities).

Benefit and harm

Additive E 551 can be considered safe for health. Silicon dioxide is present in human blood and plasma. Coming from the outside, the substance is not broken down in the digestive system, is not absorbed, it comes out naturally in an almost unchanged form.

The danger is inhalation of silica powder. Small particles can provoke the development of granulomatous inflammation, silicosis of the lungs and other serious diseases.

Main manufacturers

High-purity silicon dioxide is produced by Ecokremniy (Bryansk region).

Main foreign suppliers:

• Gomel Chemical Plant (Republic of Belarus);
• Evolik Industries (Germany);
• RHONE-POULENC (France).

At the beginning of the last century, the German physiologist W. Kuehne proved: silicon compounds cleanse and restore blood vessels, and prevent the development of atherosclerosis. Later, his conclusions were supported by numerous studies.

Silicon dioxide structures water molecules, giving them the ability to expel toxins, foreign compounds, and pathogenic microorganisms. Silicon water acquires bactericidal properties and a special fresh taste.

Source: http://vkusologia.ru/dobavki/stabilizatory-emulgatory/e551.html

Silica

Silicon(IV) oxide

Chemical properties

Silicon dioxide, what is it? According to Wikipedia, tetravalent silicon oxide is part of almost all rocks. This chemical compound has the form of colorless crystals, with a fairly high melting point. Silicon Dioxide Formula: SiO2. The chemical formula of silica is the same as that of Silicon Dioxide. The melting point is about 1600 degrees Celsius.

The substance belongs to the group of acidic oxides, is a dielectric, and has several polymorphic modifications of crystals. Under the influence high temperatures and pressure, the substance turns into coesite and stishovite, has various modifications and forms, quartzine, opal, authigenic quartz, chalcedony; Amorphous Silicon Dioxide is a quartz glass.

Application of silica

The substance, due to the variety of forms, is used in various fields. The mineral is used in the production of glass, abrasives, concrete and ceramic products; as a filler during the production of rubber, to obtain silicon; in the production of refractory materials; in chromatography.

Quartz crystals are used for the production of lighters, ultrasonic devices, and in radio engineering. Some algae contribute to the accumulation of silica in the biosphere and perform a biochemical function.

The compound is also used as an emulsifier in the food industry (E551), added to toothpaste. Used as an insulator, in the production of fiber optic cables, used as a heating element in electronic cigarettes; in jewelry and so on.

Silicon Dioxide is widely used in medicine as an excipient, food additive or in the form of an enterosorbent.

Silicon dioxide: harm and benefit

The substance cannot cause much harm to the body, since when it enters the gastrointestinal tract it is not absorbed through the walls of the stomach and is excreted unchanged.

The food additive E 551 is present in many food products, in sugar, milk powder and warblers, chips, crackers, alcoholic beverages and confectionery.

With the correct use of drugs, there is also no harm to colloidal silicon dioxide.

pharmachologic effect

Adsorbent, regenerating.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Silica has a fairly high absorption capacity.

The substance binds and removes various enzymes from the body, antibodies, angigen, toxins, tissue breakdown products, microorganisms and food allergens.

The substance is actively used to evacuate certain drugs, water and poisons. After penetration into the digestive tract, the agent does not undergo systemic absorption, does not accumulate in the body.

When used locally, the substance prevents necrotic tissue changes, promotes wound healing.

Indications for use

In medicine, colloidal silicon dioxide is used:

• with intestinal infections, food toxic infections, allergies;
• with exogenous and endogenous intoxication;
• as part of the complex treatment of acute poisoning;
• at alcohol withdrawal;
• in the treatment of purulent-inflammatory diseases of soft tissues, abscesses, purulent wounds, phlegmon, mastitis.

Contraindications

The substance is contraindicated for systemic use in stomach and duodenal ulcer during an exacerbation; at erosion of the stomach and intestinal obstruction. The drug is not applied to granulating and clean aseptic wounds.

Side effects

Silica, when taken orally, can cause indigestion, constipation. With local exposure - to form a crust that prevents normal aeration of the wound surface.

Instructions for use (Method and dosage)

The substance is taken orally in accordance with the instructions that are attached to the drug.

Overdose

In case of overdose, patients may experience constipation and indigestion. There is no information about cases of overdose of the substance.

Interaction

The drug, when taken orally, has the ability to reduce the effectiveness of concomitantly taken orally drugs. There should be an interval of one hour between taking other drugs.

When combining preparations of Silicon Dioxide with acetylsalicylic acid disaggregation processes intensify platelets.

When taking medication at the same time, nicotinic acid and atoxyla rising level cholesterol HDL.

Means for carrying out intracorporeal sorption detoxification recommended to be combined with bifuran, furatsilin, chlorhexidine bigluconate.

Terms of sale

Non-prescription leave.

During pregnancy and lactation

The drug can be prescribed during breastfeeding and pregnancy.

The chemical compound silicon dioxide has a structure with increased hardness, is an integral element of food products, it can be found in ceramics, concrete, medicines, cosmetics. Familiarize yourself with the chemical properties, methods of application, effects on the human body, the possible benefits and harms of dioxide.

Silicon dioxide - what is it

Silica, Silicon dioxide, silica - all these definitions are equal to the term silicon dioxide. This compound consists of colorless crystals with increased strength, hardness and ductility. In nature, it is widely found: crystalline modifications are represented by the minerals jasper, agate, rock crystal, pure quartz, chalcedony, amethyst, morion, topaz.

At natural ambient temperature and normal atmospheric pressure, three modifications of silicon monoxide are distinguished: tridymite (sand), quartz crystals and cristobalite. If the temperature is increased, the crystalline substance will become coesite and then stishovite. The latter is a derivative substance that makes up the mantle of the Earth and its crust. On our planet, the highest oxide occupies 87% of the entire lithosphere; in human blood plasma, its concentration is 0.001%.

Chemical properties

Higher silicon oxide is resistant to acids, oxygen atoms, and does not dissolve in water. At elevated temperatures, it dissolves with alkalis, hydrofluoric acid, and has dielectric properties. Colorless crystals are characterized by high strength, refractoriness, hardness. Silicon atoms do not conduct current. The substance belongs to the group of glass-forming silicon oxides.

Silicon dioxide - effect on the human body

According to studies, the substance passes through the human gastrointestinal tract in an unchanged state, is completely eliminated from the body. Scientists have discovered the benefit of the compound - water with a high content of food natural dioxide reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. In the production of food products, the substance is designated as an emulsifier E551.

It does not change the taste of products, does not affect color, but gives flowability and fluidity to powders, prevents the appearance of lumps, quenches foam, plays the role of a thickener. For medical purposes, it is used to extinguish gas formation. Scientists say that silicon dioxide does not harm the body, is not absorbed by the intestines. Silicon compounds with other chemicals have a possible negative effect: they lead to irritation of the respiratory tract.

Oxide application

Silicon oxidizes, acquires new properties, therefore it is used as an emulsifier and a substance that prevents caking and clumping. Natural dioxide finds application in the following industries:

• food industry;
• production of household chemicals, medicines;
• production of ceramics, glass, abrasives, concrete products;
• filler in the production of rubber, silica refractories;
• in microelectronics, dioxide (a product of silicon oxidation) is used in the field of chromatography;
• use in ultrasonic installations, radio engineering due to piezoelectric properties;
• fused dioxide is used in the production of fiber optic cables, insulators.

Silicon dioxide in cosmetics

The element is often used in the manufacture of toothpastes. They replace some of the dangerous ingredients that serve to whiten the enamel. Dioxide does not harm the teeth, but effectively whitens their surface, acting as an abrasive. Due to the matting effect, the compound is used in the production of lotions, creams, and powders for oily skin. The additive smoothes uneven relief, eliminates wrinkles. Another useful property of the dioxide film is its peeling effect - it removes dead cells of the epidermis.

food industry

Food additive E551 is used in the production of chips, crackers, corn sticks, instant coffee. Due to it, the flowability of products improves, the appearance of lumps is prevented. Silicon dioxide is also added to sugar, dry cream and milk, salt, wheat flour, spices, egg powder. The additive enriches snacks, alcoholic beverages, confectionery products to prevent the formation of excessive amounts of foam.

Construction

Materials containing silicon dioxide have found wide application in the field of high technology and building materials. The substance is used in the production of glass, ceramics, concrete products, abrasives. It is used in radio engineering, installations for the production of ultrasound, lighters. The amorphous non-porous element is used in combination with other components in the manufacture of cables.

In medicine

For medical purposes, colloidal non-porous dioxide is used, which is a loose, odorless, white-blue powder. In combination with water, it forms a suspension and is used as an enterosorbent. The second direction of use is powder therapy for purulent-inflammatory lesions of soft tissues: purulent wounds, phlegmon, abscess, mastitis.

Medicinal properties of amorphous silica are the absorption of toxins, allergens, microorganisms and other aggressive metabolic products. The colloidal substance is able to bind and eliminate endo- and exogenous substances, pathogenic bacteria from the body. Amorphous silica is active in relation to heavy metal salts, radionuclides, excess cholesterol, alcohol decay products. Silicon dioxide preserves the normal components of the gastrointestinal flora, does not disturb digestion.

Preparations containing silicon dioxide

In medicine and pharmacology, the following preparations containing synthetic dioxide are distinguished:

• Polysorb - removes accumulated toxins and slags, pathogenic viruses and bacteria from the body;
• Silicea - reacts to a lack of silicon in the body, contains an easily digestible form of the element;
• Florasil - daily dosage strengthens the immune system, normalizes metabolic processes, strengthens bones, hair, nails, normalizes skin metabolic processes.

Indications for use

Colloidal silica is sold under the same name through pharmacies, is used for the following cases:

• purulent-inflammatory pathologies of soft tissues;
• food poisoning;
• acute intestinal infections;
• allergic reactions;
• acute poisoning with toxic agents;
• exo- and endogenous intoxications;
• alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

The dosage and method of application of amorphous dioxide depend on the type and severity of the course of the disease, and are prescribed by a doctor:

1. Locally, the drug is applied on wounds - it is applied with a layer of 4-6 mm on a previously treated surface, closed with a dry aseptic bandage. Dressings are updated every day.
2. Fractional flow washes - up to six times a day. A 1-3% aqueous suspension is used.
3. Inside - Aerosil is applied one hour before a meal. In severe diarrhea, a single dose is 4-6 g, daily - 12 g, the course lasts 3-5 days. Toxic and intestinal infections: three times a day for 2-3 g. Alcoholic syndrome: 3-4 times a day for 2-4 g, a course of 3-4 days. Acute oral poisoning: a single dose of 0.1-0.15 mg / kg of human weight, divided into 2-3 doses. Severe poisoning: after gastric lavage through a tube, silicon is administered every 4-6 hours with a maximum daily dose of 24 g. Allergy: 2-3 g 2-3 times a day for a course of 10-15 days.

Silicon dioxide (silica, Silicon dioxide, silica) is a substance consisting of colorless crystals with high strength, hardness and refractoriness. Silicon dioxide is resistant to acids and does not interact with water. With an increase in the reaction temperature, the substance interacts with alkalis, dissolves in hydrofluoric acid, and is an excellent dielectric.

In nature, silicon dioxide is quite widespread: crystalline silicon oxide is represented by such minerals as jasper, agate (fine-crystalline compounds of silicon dioxide), rock crystal (large crystals of the substance), quartz (free silicon dioxide), chalcedony, amethyst, morion, topaz (colored crystals silicon dioxide).

Under normal conditions (at natural ambient temperature and pressure), there are three crystalline modifications of silicon dioxide - tridymite, quartz and cristobalite. When the temperature rises, silicon dioxide first turns into coesite, and then into stishovite (a mineral discovered in 1962 in a meteorite crater). According to research, it is stishovite - a derivative of silicon dioxide - that lines a significant part of the Earth's mantle.

The chemical formula of the substance is SiO 2

Obtaining silicon dioxide

Silicon dioxide is industrially produced in quartz factories that produce pure quartz concentrate, which is then used in the chemical and electronic industries, in the production of optics, fillers for rubber and paintwork, jewelry, etc. Natural silicon dioxide, otherwise called silica, is widely used in construction (concrete, sand, sound and heat insulating materials).

Obtaining silicon dioxide in a synthetic way is carried out by means of the action of acids on sodium silicate, in some cases - on other soluble silicates, or by the method of coagulation of colloidal silica under the influence of ions. In addition, silicon dioxide is obtained by oxidizing silicon with oxygen at a temperature of about 500 degrees Celsius.

Application of silicon dioxide

Silicon-containing materials are widely used both in the field of high technologies and in everyday life. Silicon dioxide is used in the production of glass, ceramics, concrete products, abrasive materials, as well as in radio engineering, ultrasonic devices, lighters, etc. In combination with a number of ingredients, silicon dioxide is used in the manufacture of fiber optic cables.

Non-porous amorphous silicon dioxide is also used in the food industry as an additive, registered under the number E551, which prevents clumping and caking of the main product. Food silicon dioxide is used in the pharmaceutical industry as an enterosorbent drug, in the production of toothpastes. The substance is found in chips, crackers, corn sticks, instant coffee, etc.

The harm of silicon dioxide

It is officially confirmed that the silicon dioxide substance passes through the gastrointestinal tract unchanged, after which it is completely excreted from the body. According to a 15-year study by French experts, drinking water with a high content of dietary silicon dioxide reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by 10%.

Thus, information about the dangers of silicon dioxide, which is a chemically inert substance, is false: the E551 food supplement, taken orally, is completely safe for health.