SUNSPHERE®
Sunsphere® spherical micro-porous silica, has been jointly developed by Asahi Glass Co.,Ltd. and AGC Si-Tech Co.,Ltd. Sunsphere® is safe because it consists of amorphous silica. It contains no crystalline silica because it is derived from sodium silicate. Sunsphere® is mainly used for cosmetics in the worldwide market; additionally, as a resin filler and topcoat film in the industrial market.
SUNSPHERE® Products
| Low oil Absorption Grade (H series, L series) | Mean particle diameter |
3-20µm |
| Oil absorption capacity |
150ml/100g |
|
| High Oil Absorption Grade (H series) | Mean particle diameter |
3-12µm |
| Oil absorption capacity |
300-400ml/100g |
|
| Non-Porous Grade (NP series) | Mean Particle diameter |
4-20µm |
| Oil absorption capacity |
30-40ml/100g |
|
| Silica Particles with Chemically Modified Surface (ET series) | Mean Particle diameter |
5-12µm |
| Oil absorption capacity |
130ml/100g |
Applications include:
- Cosemetics:
– Foundation
– Make-up
– Thickener - Toiletries:
– Moisture absorbent / Release Agent (Deodorant spray, insecticide)
– Repellent support carrier
– Fragrance support carrier (Release agent) - Industrial applications:
– Resin filler
– Catalyst support carrier
– Film top coat
– Matting agent
– Surface modifier
– Dehumidifying agent
– Filler for ink-jet print paper
Characteristics of SUNSPHERE®:
- SUNSPHERE® consists of spherical particles which do not cohere. It provides an excellent tactile feeling because the particles roll freely.
- SUNSPHERE® is safe because it consists of amorphous silica.
- SUNSPHERE® is multiporous and provides excellent moisture absorption capacity.
- SUNSPHERE® has excellent heat resistance properties since it is derived from silica.
- Non-porous series (NP-100, NP-30) is quite hard and breaks less easily than the more porous grades. On the contrary high oil absorption grades (H-33, H-53) are less resistant to shearing stress and will disintegrate more easily under shear.
- ET series has excellent water repellency and disperses well in oil applications (e.g. suntan oil) and also gives the end product a longer-lasting effect.
