Cellular Microsphere Filler

Overview

Sil-Cell is an ultra-light, naturally occurring, Aluminum Silicate, microcellular filler that is inert, inorganic, non-toxic and PH neutral. Particles are formed by creating a structure of multicellular spherical bubbles.

Sil-Cell is exclusive to Silbrico and manufactured at our facilities in Illinois and Pennsylvania, as well as in Australia.

Uses

Sil-Cell has been found to be cost effective in the manufacturing of Joint Compounds, Adhesives, Auto Body Putty, Cultured Marble, Wall Patching Compounds, Stucco, Ready Mix Gypsum Plasters, Resins, Plastics, cosmetics and a variety of other composites.

It can also be treated with unique proprietary surface coatings to modify the particle’s surface. In both organic and inorganic composites, these coupling agents improve adhesion.

Structure

Sil-Cell is an excellent functional filler because of its inert properties, low density and structure. The multicellular structure provides greater tensile strength versus other types of micro fillers.

Due to its low effective specific gravity (E.S.G.), it is an excellent density reducing agent for composites. Sil-Cell's E.S.G. ranges from 0.17 to 0.336 gm/cc compared to Calcium Carbonate type fillers that range from 2.5 to 2.8 gm/cc.

Chemical Analysis

SiO2Silicon Dioxide73%

Al2O3Aluminum Oxide17%

K20Potassium Oxide5%

Na20Sodium Oxide3%

CaOCalcium Oxide1%

Trace Elements1%

Physical Properties

Hydroscopic Moisture 0%

Surface pH 6.5-7.5

Color White

Fusion Point (°F) 2300

Fusion Point (°C) 1260

Trace Elements

Manganese < 0.3%
Sulfur < 0.2%
Titanium < 0.1%
Barium < 0.1%
Gallium < 0.05%
Boron < 0.01%
Chromium < 0.0075%
Zirconium < 0.003%
Molybdenum < 0.002%
Nickel < 0.002%
Copper < 0.0015%
Lead < 0.001%*
Arsenic < 0.001%
Chlorine < 0.0005%

All analyses are shown in elemental form even though the actual forms present are mixed glassy silicates. Free Silica may be present in small amounts, characteristic of the particular ore body.

*By Food Chemicals Codex Method

Tech Data Sheet PDF Safety Data Sheet PDF
Typical Specifications (Grade) Sil-32 Sil-42 Sil-35 Sil-43 Sil-50
Effective Particle Density-ESG (lbs/ft3) 10.5 13.5 15.0 16.0 21.0
Effective Particle Density-Range (lbs/ft3) 10.0 - 11.5 12.3 - 14.4 14.2 - 15.6 15.2 - 17.3 19.3 - 21.5
Dry Bulk Density (lbs/ft3) 7.0 8.5 9.0 10.5 13.0
Dry Bulk Density Range (lbs/ft3) 6.5 - 7.5 8.0 - 9.0 8.5 - 9.5 10.0 - 11.0 12.5 - 13.5
Effective Particle Density-ESG (g/cm3) 0.170 0.216 0.240 0.255 0.336
Effective Particle Density-Range (g/cm3) 0.160 - 0.184 0.197 - 0.231 0.228 - 0.250 0.244 - 0.277 0.310 - 0.345
Dry Bulk Density (g/cm3) 0.112 0.136 0.144 0.168 0.208
Dry Bulk Density Range (g/cm3) 0.104 - 0.120 0.128 - 0.144 0.136 - 0.152 0.160 - 0.176 0.200 - 0.216
Average Particle Size (μm) 75 45 40 37 32
Particle Size Range (μm) 1 - 300 1 - 220 1 - 150 1 - 150 1 - 110
Thermal Conductivity 0.36 0.40 0.41 0.43 0.45
Representative Particle Distribution Percent Retained by Weight (U.S. Sieve)
Sil-32 Sil-42 Sil-35 Sil-43 Sil-50
+50 Mesh +300 μm 1% Trace - - -
-50 +100 Mesh -300 +150 μm 8% 1% Trace Trace Trace
-100 +200 Mesh -150 +75 μm 26% 16% 12% 11% 4%
-200 +325 Mesh -75 +45 μm 22% 26% 24% 21% 13%
-325 +450 Mesh -45 +32 μm 12% 12% 18% 19% 10%
-450 +635 Mesh -32 +20 μm 6% 18% 13% 15% 23%
-635 Mesh -20 μm 25% 27% 33% 34% 50%
100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Proprietary Surface Treatments are available to improve performance

Type Ordering Code(s) Molecular Structure Hydrophobic Oleophobic
Uncoated BC No No
Silane 23 Monomer Yes Yes
Silicone 34 (18) Polymer Yes Yes

23 Coating

  • Is an organic silane type reactive monomer
  • Creates a monolayer film on the surface of the particle
  • Demonstrates moderate hydrophobic and oleophobic properties
  • Significantly reduces the surface viscosity of perlite
  • Improves the rheological properties of composites
  • Demonstrates moderate resistance in temperature and pressure

34 (18) Coating

  • Is an organometallic silicone type reactive polymer
  • Creates a multiple layer formation on the surface of the particle
  • Demonstrates significant hydrophobic and oleophobic properties
  • Moderately reduces the surface viscosity of perlite
  • Improves the rheological properties of composites
  • Demonstrates significant resistance in temperature and pressure