A Report on Silicon Dioxide

Arash Karimipour^*
*Correspondence: Arash Karimipour, Department of Astronautical, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, Email:

Brief Report

Silicon Dioxide is a natural combination of silicon and oxygen found largely in sand. Silicosis is a long-term progressive lung damage caused by fine particle silica dust from quartz rock (NCI0₄). Silica is another name for the chemical molecule SiO₂, or silicon dioxide, which is made up of silicon and oxygen. Silica comes in a variety of forms. The chemical content of all silica forms is the same, but the atom configurations change. There are two types of silica compounds: crystalline (or c-silica) and amorphous (or a-silica) (a-silica or non-crystalline silica). The structures of c-Silica compounds feature silicon and oxygen repeating motifs. When compared to c-silica, a-silica chemical structures are more haphazardly connected. Silica is a colourless, odourless material made up of silicon and oxygen atoms. Silica particles float in the air, forming non-explosive dusts. Silica may generate silicates when it reacts with other metals and oxides.

Silica is usually found in three different forms: crystalline, microcrystalline (or cryptocrystalline) and amorphous (non-crystalline). Silicates (e.g., talc, asbestos and mica) are SiO₂ coupled with a significant amount of cations, whereas "free" silica is pure silicon dioxide that has not been associated with other elements. Depending on the temperature of production, crystalline silica occurs in seven distinct forms (polymorphs). Quartz, cristobalite and tridymite are the three primary polymorphs. Quartz is separated into two types: alpha and beta. The most common type of quartz found in nature is alpha-quartz, which includes a lot of crystalline silica. Quartz is the world's second most prevalent mineral. Opal, diatomaceous earth, silica-rich glass fibre, mineral wool and silica glass (vitreous silica) are all regarded less damaging amorphous forms of silica.

Workplace exposure to crystalline silica can occur in any setting where airborne dust containing crystalline silica is created. Quarrying, mining, mineral processing, slate processing, stone crushing, foundry work, brick and tile manufacturing, some refractory processes, stone, concrete, brick and some insulation boards construction, tunnels, building restoration and pottery and ceramic industries are all industries that use crystalline silica. Silicon dioxide is a natural chemical mixture of silicon and oxygen that is used as an anti-caking ingredient in many food items. Although silicon dioxide is usually considered acceptable as a food additive, some organisations are advocating for stronger restrictions regarding the quality and features of silicon dioxide used in foods.

Silica is used to manufacture anything from glass to cement, but it's also used as an additive and anti-caking ingredient in the food sector. This kind of food enhancer prevents foods from caking or clumping together. This can assist extend the shelf life of a product, protect it from moisture and keep powdered ingredients from adhering together, allowing them to flow easily. Silicon dioxide, commonly known as synthetic amorphous silica (SAS), is a thickening, anticaking agent and aroma and flavour carrier frequently used in food items. Silicon is the most prevalent material in the earth's crust, derived from naturally occurring quartz. Water and plant-based meals, particularly cereals like oats, barley and rice, contain it naturally. Silicon is not to be confused with silicone, a plastic substance containing silicon and other compounds that is used to manufacture breast implants, medical tubing and other medical equipment.