Silica fume, also known as microsilica, is an ultrafine, highly reactive pozzolanic material obtained as a byproduct of silicon metal and ferrosilicon alloy production. It is widely used in construction and industrial applications due to its ability to improve the properties of concrete and other materials.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Particle Size: Extremely fine particles (about 100 times smaller than cement particles), enhancing packing density and reducing permeability.
- Pozzolanic Reactivity: Reacts with calcium hydroxide in cement to form additional calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), improving strength and durability.
- Enhanced Strength: Increases compressive, flexural, and bond strength of concrete, making it ideal for high-performance applications.
- Reduced Permeability: Creates a denser microstructure, reducing water absorption and improving resistance to chloride and sulfate attack.
- Improved Durability: Enhances resistance to chemical attacks, freeze-thaw cycles, and abrasion, extending the lifespan of structures.
- High Resistance to Sulfate and Chloride Penetration: Ideal for marine structures, bridges, tunnels, and industrial flooring.
- Improved Workability: When used with superplasticizers, it enhances concrete flowability without compromising strength.
- Applications: Used in high-strength concrete, shotcrete, bridge decks, marine structures, oil and gas platforms, and refractory materials.
Silica fume is an essential material in modern construction, offering superior performance and longevity for various infrastructure projects.
