Silica Gel crystals & beads from sodium silicate and sulphuric acid are small porous granules made of silica. The process of manufacturing these granules starts with combining sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and sulphuric acid (H2SO4) in a reactor, where the liquid reaction product is filtered and dried. The result is a fine powder which can be shaped into granules of different sizes. The crystals are highly absorptive and have an affinity for water and other volatile compounds, which makes them ideal for numerous industrial applications. In fact, these granules are widely used for various purposes including packaging materials, moisture scavengers, adsorbents, cleaning agents, drug carriers, desiccants, and absorbents.
Uses and Application
Silica gel crystals and beads from sodium silicate and sulphuric acid have many uses. They can be used to adsorb moisture and as a dehumidifying agent in dry rooms, basements, containers, closets and other areas where humidity needs to be controlled. They can also be used to protect items from corrosion, mildew and mold by eliminating moisture from the air. In addition to providing moisture control, silica gel crystals & beads are also used for various other purposes. They can be used as an abrasive to polish metals or remove paint and rust, as a fertilizer for plants, as an additive in cat litter, as an ingredient in soap and cosmetics, and for food preservation. The technology behind silica gel crystals and beads is also very useful for industrial applications. Silica gel has a high adsorption capacity which makes it an ideal material for chemical processing, such as oil and gas production, water treatment, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. It can also be used as a catalyst in chemical reactions and as a packing material to separate different materials in a container or tank. The use of silica gel crystals and beads has been growing rapidly due to its versatile applications. This is why the business of producing these materials is booming. Its affordability and availability make it a great choice for commercial and industrial purposes.
Indian Market Outlook
India is one of the world’s largest consumers of silica gel and beads. It is used for various applications such as for moisture control, gas absorption, and chemical analysis. The Indian market for silica gel and beads is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% from 2018 to 2025. The main drivers for the growth of the Indian market for silica gel and beads are the increasing demand from industries like food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and petrochemicals. The growing application of silica gel and beads in these industries is boosting their demand in the country. In addition, with the increasing adoption of sustainable technologies in India, it is expected that the demand for silica gel and beads will continue to increase in the coming years. Furthermore, the rising awareness about environmental protection will drive the use of silica gel and beads in various applications as it is a non-toxic and non-corrosive material. Overall, it can be said that the Indian market for silica gel and beads holds a bright future ahead. With the increasing demand from various industries and the presence of major global players, it can be expected that the market will witness strong growth over the next few years.
Global Market Outlook
Silica Gel Market was valued at USD 946 million in 2020 and it is expected to reach USD 1261 million by the end of 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% during 2021-2027. The global silica gel market is expected to witness growth in light of its increasing application in food & beverage, pharmaceutical, paints & coatings, plastics, and inks & printing industries. Asia Pacific silica gel market is expected to be lucrative over the forecast period on account of positive chemical industry outlook in India and China amidst regulatory inclination for increasing the output at the domestic level. In September 2014, the government of India launched Make in India program aimed at fostering innovation, facilitating investments, and enhance skill development in chemical, construction, electrical & electronics, and pharmaceuticals at the domestic level. This program allows 100% foreign direct investment in the chemical sector which is expected to open new market avenues for the manufacturers over the forecast period.
Increasing use of silica gel in the pharmaceutical industry for packaging to protect medicines from moist environment and thus getting decomposed or dissolved is expected to be a crucial success factor. Robust pharmaceutical manufacturing base in North America in light of supportive government regulations and expenditure on the healthcare industry will have a positive impact.
Outcome
The business of producing silica gel crystals and beads from sodium silicate and sulphuric acid is booming. This is because of the many uses for these materials in a wide variety of industries. Not only are silica gel crystals and beads from sodium silicate and sulphuric acid used in the manufacture of everyday items such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food items, but they are also used for industrial applications such as water purification, oil and gas drilling and for pollution control.
Key Players
· Millennium Chemicals (US)
· Qingdao Haiyang Chemical (China)
· DowDuPont (US)
· Nissan Chemical Industries (Japan)
· Fuji Silysia Chemical (China)
· China National Bluestar Company Limited (China)
· Merck Group (Germany)
· Solvay (Belgium)
· Clariant (Switzerland)
· Evonik Industries (Germany)
