ALUMINIUM SILICATE
Aluminium silicate (or aluminum silicate) has the chemical formula Al2SiO5. It has a density of 2.8 to 2.9 g/cmł, a vitreous lustre, a refractive index of 1.56, a Mohs hardness of 1-2, and an orthorhombic crystallography. It is insoluble and used as a refractory in glassmaking.
It is light wieght and superwhite in colour,having high degree of brightness, low plasticity, ease of dispersion and good oil absorbtion. Its a low bulk density mineral and has very low moisture content. It improves electrical as well as mechanical properties of the composite and can partially rplace TiO2 to give cost reduction. It improves efficiency of white pigments. It acts as a good antisetting agent. It maintains constant viscosity in storage.
Chemical Formula : Al2O3.2SiO2.2H2O
Physical Properties :
Specific Gravity
2.58
Bulk Density
0.26 gm/cc
PH Value
8-8.5
Chemical Composition :
SiO2
65%
Al2O3
33%
Fe2O3
0.5%
Applications :
1. Paints
Latex paintpartial replacement of TiO2, Distempers, as a filler in certain paints, primers.
2. Paper
As a coating pigment in paper sizing and paper bonds.
3. Miscellaneous
As a filler in foam products. As a filler in Leather boards. Surgical gloves. Re-inforcing filler in rubber footwear. Cable industry, Insulation compounds.
PVC and Plastics as a general filler. As a filler in Linoleum and flooring.