Anti-settling agent

Many liquid systems used in technology are made from dispersions containing solid particles suspended in a fluid. Examples are as different as paints, repair-putties, drilling fluids for exploration of oil-wells and toothpaste.

It is a natural fact that there is almost always a difference in specific gravity between the fluids and the solids suspended. Inevitably both partners tend to separate with the high-density matter settling down and the low-density matter rising up. "Stir well before use" is one of the recommendations given in such cases! But applying such labels may be made obsolete when AEROSIL^® products can be used as an anti-settling additive with the dispersion in question.

Small amounts of AEROSIL^® fumed silica may prevent large quantities of pigments and fillers from settling down under the influence of gravity.

AEROSIL^® fumed silica is typically added in the range from 0.5 to 5 percent by weight.

When the base fluid of the dispersion is not a hydrocarbon but more polar in nature, e.g. a polyol, it is recommended to try hydrophobic grades of AEROSIL products. AEROSIL^® R 202 and AEROSIL^® R 812 are the products tested in such systems.