Fillers / Extenders > Silicas

Silica is found in rich quantities on the earth’s crust in its crystalline (quartz) and amorphous (diatomaceous silica) forms. When used as an additive, diatomaceous silica increases the viscosity of an adhesive / sealant formulation. Diatomaceous silica provides less machining and abrasive problems and hence is used more extensively as a filler than quartz.