Message

Diatomaceous earth, also known as diatomite, is a natural, mineral material made from the remains of microscopic diatoms. This fascinating substance is used in numerous industrial applications and is indispensable in many production processes. In this blog post, we want to take a closer look at the technical properties and applications of diatomaceous earth.

The structure and properties of diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a porous, lightweight mineral consisting of over 80% silicon dioxide (SiO2). The diatoms from which it is derived have deposited their silica shells over time, creating a natural rock. This is characterized by a very fine, net-like structure that gives it a range of unique properties:

• High porosity and large internal surface area: Diatomaceous earth has a very high porosity of up to 90% and an enormous specific surface area of up to 25 m²/g. This makes it an excellent filter material.
• Low density: With a density of only 0.2 to 0.6 g/cm³, diatomaceous earth is a very light mineral.
• Chemical inertness: Diatomaceous earth is extremely resistant and unreactive to most chemicals.
• Good thermal insulation: Due to its porosity, diatomaceous earth is an excellent heat insulator.
• High purity: Natural diatomaceous earth has a purity level of over 80%.

These unique properties make diatomaceous earth a versatile material in industry.

Filtration and clarification

One of the main applications of diatomaceous earth is the filtration and clarification of liquids. Due to its porous structure and large surface area, it is excellently suited as a filter material. Diatomaceous earth is used in numerous industries to remove impurities from liquids:

• In the food industry, diatomaceous earth is used for the clarification and decolorization of beer, wine, fruit juices, and other beverages.
• In the chemical industry, diatomaceous earth serves as a filter aid for the purification of oils, solvents, and other chemicals.
• In the pharmaceutical industry, diatomaceous earth is used to remove impurities from active ingredients and medicines.
• Diatomaceous earth also plays an important role as a filter material in water treatment.

Due to its ability to retain the finest particles, diatomaceous earth enables very efficient filtration and clarification of liquids.

Grinding and polishing agents

Besides filtration, industry also uses the abrasiveness of diatomaceous earth. The sharp-edged silica particles make diatomaceous earth an excellent grinding and polishing agent:

• In the metal industry, diatomaceous earth is used for grinding and polishing surfaces to achieve a high-gloss finish.
• In the glass and ceramics industry, diatomaceous earth is used as an abrasive to smooth and polish surfaces.
• Diatomaceous earth is used in toothpastes and other personal care products as a mild abrasive.

By adjusting the grain size, the abrasiveness of diatomaceous earth can be precisely controlled to achieve the desired grinding and polishing results.

Further industrial applications

Besides filtration and polishing, diatomaceous earth has many other industrial applications:

• As a filler in paints, coatings, adhesives, and plastics, diatomaceous earth improves the mechanical properties and viscosity of the materials.
• In fire extinguishers and fire protection products, diatomaceous earth serves as a carrier material for extinguishing agents.
• As an additive in fertilizers and pesticides, diatomaceous earth increases the effectiveness and durability of the products.
• In the construction materials industry, diatomaceous earth is used as an additive for cement, concrete, and mortar.
• Diatomaceous earth is also widely used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, for example as a carrier material or filler.

The versatility of diatomaceous earth is impressive and shows how important this natural mineral is for numerous industries.

Conclusion

Diatomaceous earth is a fascinating natural product with a variety of technical applications. Its unique structure and properties make it an indispensable material in modern industry. Whether as a filter material, abrasive, or filler - diatomaceous earth is indispensable in many production processes. With its versatility and performance, diatomaceous earth will continue to play an important role in industrial manufacturing in the future.