Silicon Dioxide - SiO₂

Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is an oxide of silicon with the chemical formula SiO₂, most commonly found in nature as quartz and in various living organisms.

Silica is one of the most complex and most abundant families of materials, existing as a compound of several minerals and as a synthetic product. Notable examples include fused quartz, fumed silica, silica gel, and aerogels. It is used in structural materials, microelectronics, and as components in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

In the chemical industry, it is used in the production of adhesives and sealants, adsorbents, ceramic, porcelain, corrosion inhibitors, anti-adhesives, dyes, and paint additives. In addition, silicon dioxide production occurs in agricultural chemicals. Coming to pharmaceutical industries, it helps as an additive of food and medicines to absorb water. For telecommunication, SiO₂ is the main component of optical fibers. Silicon dioxide is extensively used as a precursor to obtaining glass and silicon by the reaction given below.

SiO₂ + 2C → Si + 2CO

Furthermore, Silicon dioxide is also used in the construction industry to produce concrete. Used in hydraulic fracturing in its crystalline form, and in glass production, as a Sedative, production to produce elemental silicon, as an anti-caking agent in powdered foods such as spices, as a fining agent in beer, juice, and wine, in pharmaceutical tablets, and in toothpaste to remove the tooth plaque.