Silicon Dioxide

Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is used in encapsulation to increase manufacturing efficiency. It is an inert ingredient, meaning that it won’t react with other ingredients or substances in the body. It has a high melting and boiling point, and it is insoluble in water. There are natural and synthetic grades of Silicon Dioxide, but each have an identical chemical make-up. It is a popular excipient ingredient as it increases flowability and stops caking on tooling, and also eases digestion.

With a high porosity that allows it to absorb up to 300 g of fluid per 100 g of silica, Silicon Dioxide efficiently absorbs moisture from its surroundings. It enables liquid ingredients to turn into free-flowing powders, making it a popular choice for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. It also acts as a glidant, a substance used in a formula to improve its flow qualities, ensuring that the product flows quickly through machinery and doesn’t stick to the equipment. It reduces traces of moisture which may otherwise cause your machinery to degrade.

With its unique moisture absorption properties, Silicon Dioxide will encourage quick encapsulation due to its resistance to sticking and also increase the stability of moisture-sensitive Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, or APIs. The different benefits work together to create an easier, smoother and more efficient manufacturing process.

Silicon Dioxide, also known as quartz, is an interesting element that is abundant on this earth. It makes up 60% of the Earth’s crust and 93% of known rocks. It is found in plants, in our food and our body tissues, and is necessary for healthy bones, skin, hair, teeth and nails. Silicon Dioxide deficiency can result in poor bone formation, unhealthy skin and teeth.

It is important to handle Silicon dioxide correctly to keep people safe and to increase the product's shelf life. It can irritate eyes and skin if they are exposed to it. Avoid inhalation and wear a mask whilst handling it. If the product is handled properly, it will stay in excellent condition until it’s ready for use.