Colloidal silica molecules are a water-based stable suspension of nanoparticles that are dispersed throughout water and stabilized by a charged counter ion. Unlike other types of suspensions, colloids are evenly suspended and distributed, and do not settle or separate.

At Applied Material Solutions (AMS), we provide colloidal silica that is both sodium-stabilized and ammonium-stabilized across many particle sizes and SiO2 concentrations. AMS also has surface-modified colloidal silica particles for specific applications, as well as structured particle products. We can provide food-grade and technical-grade colloidal silica that meets various industry standards.

Colloidal Silica Uses

Biological Binders Silica nanoparticles are used in a broad range of applications, including nanomedicine, targeted drug delivery, DNA/RNA extraction, and protein separation.
Ceramics. Colloidal silica involves using stable dispersions of nano-sized silica particles (SiO₂) as binders, coatings, or polishing agents to enhance surface hardness, durability, and finish, acting as a binder in investment casting shells, a rigidizer for ceramic fibers, and is a key component of refractory systems, providing excellent thermal and mechanical properties
Water treatment. Colloidal silica acts as a coagulant aid and flocculant to remove suspended particles, pathogens, and contaminants, contributing to efficient surface water and wastewater treatment. Colloidal Silica helps in the clarification, filtration, and adsorption processes.
Pulp & paper. Colloidal Silica acts as a multifunctional additive, enhancing drainage, improving fines retention, boosting strength (tensile, tear), and refining surface properties.
Zeolite manufacturing. Colloidal Silica is utilized in zeolite manufacturing, serving as a highly reactive, uniform silica source for building the aluminosilicate structure and as a binder for other catalyst components, improving mechanical strength and efficiency.
Wafer polishing. Colloidal silica is vital in wafer polishing, acting as a primary abrasive in Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) slurries to create ultra-smooth, defect-free surfaces for semiconductors, optics, and other components by combining mechanical abrasion with chemical etching.
Beverage finings. Colloidal Silica is a liquid fining agent used in winemaking to clarify and stabilize wine by binding to positively charged haze-forming particles (proteins, tannins) and making them clump together for easier removal, improving clarity, color, and filterability.
Concrete. Colloidal silica is a nano-material (5-50 nm) added to concrete as a high-performance strengthening agent and densifier. It boosts strength and durability by reacting with free calcium hydroxide to create additional Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C-S-H), filling micropores, reducing permeability, and reducing curing-related cracks.

Custom Formulations for Enhanced Performance

Expand for some colloidal silica options

AMS strives to help customers utilize colloidal silica. We can customize the molecule for you, using various reactive esters or silanes to surface functionalize and stabilize the colloid further or make it compatible for your substrate.

Colloidal Silica From AMS

AMS delivers custom solutions that meet the challenges of a diverse array of industrial applications. In addition to our top-quality colloidal silica products, we also offer a comprehensive selection of defoaming and antifoaming products, silicone emulsions, hydrophobic-treated silica, and colloidal anhydrous silica.