Silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles, also called nanosilica, are tiny particles of silicon dioxide with unique properties that make them useful in many industries. They are commonly used as strengthening fillers in materials like concrete and plastics, in biomedical applications like drug delivery, and in products such as sunscreens, paints, and even food additives. Their small size, large surface area, and biocompatibility enable these diverse applications.
Properties
-
SiO2Composition: A compound of silicon and oxygen (
- Size: Ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers.
- Appearance: Typically a white powder.
- High surface area: Due to their small size, nanoparticles have a much larger surface area compared to larger particles.
- Biocompatibility: They are generally well-tolerated in biological systems.
- Unique behavior: At the nanoscale, they behave differently than bulk materials like sand or glass.
Applications
- Materials science: Used as a filler to strengthen plastics, rubber, ceramics, and concrete.
- Biomedical: Applied in drug delivery, biosensors, and medical diagnosis.
- Consumer products: Found in sunscreens, paints, and cosmetics for UV resistance.
- Food industry: Used as an anti-caking agent and emulsion stabilizer in powdered foods.
- Environmental protection: Utilized in environmental protection products and as photocatalytic catalysts.
%20nanoparticles,%20also%20called%20nanosilica,%20are%20tiny%20particles%20of%20silicon%20dioxide%20with%20unique%20properties%20that%20make%20them%20useful%20in%20many%20industries.%20They%20are%20commonly%20used%20as%20strengthening%20fillers%20in%20materials%20like%20concrete%20and%20plastics,%20in%20biomedical%20applications%20like%20drug%20delivery,%20and%20in%20products%20such%20as%20sunscreens,%20paints,%20and%20even%20food%20additives.%20Their%20small%20%5B…%5D&media=https://cityscientific.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gemini_Generated_Image_3vetro3vetro3vet1.png){kind=link}