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Yes. 3M have developed specific grades suitable for high pressure applications such as airless spray or injection moulding.

The following grades are registered as NSF HX1 approved additives: AEROSIL 200, 380, R202, R208, R972 and R974.

TIB do not use any tin smelters or tin sources that are deemed as conflict mineral sources. A full statement and list of smelters is available upon request.

Fumed silica is comprised entirely of amorphous silica because of the way in which it is manufactured. Inhalation of the material does not lead to silicosis. Whilst we recommend that inhalation be kept to a minimum, it doesn't present problems associated with the inhalation of crystalline silica. A statement of this fact is available upon request.

Lawrence Industries supplies a comprehensive range of rheology modifiers from Aerosil fumed silicas and Tafigel PU and HASE thickeners to specialist Tytan chelates. The correct choice of dispersing agents is also important and Lawrence Industries offers a full range of anionic, non-ionic and polymeric disperants under the Metolat and Edaplan trade names from Münzing Chemie. Whilst there can be many different reasons for syneresis to occur, increasing the low shear viscosity helps to eliminate the problem and Aerosil fumed silica is particularly effective at relatively low concentrations.

The most effective titanium dioxide extender pigment for these formulations is BASF's ASP G90 ultrafine, high gloss kaolin. The particle size of ASP G90 is very similar to that of high gloss TiO2. ASP G90 is therefore an excellent spacer pigment and due to its lower density very cost effective. Replacement of titanium dioxide must be carried out on a volume bases and every 100g of TiO2 in the formulation should be replaced by 67g of ASP G90 to maintain the same PVC. Depending on the overall level of TiO2 in a formulation

High flow, low sheer mixers should be used and conversely low flow, high sheer mixers should be avoided. Recommendations may include Planetary, Anchor and Propeller mixers. 3M Glass Bubbles may be added late in the production process to reduce their exposure to sheer forces or agitation which may damage them. 3M Glass Bubbles should be added directly into the mix vortex from above in a steady or pulsed flow. Bubbles may be added either dry or wet, pre-incorporated into the resin system.

No. There is no difference between the K and S designations in terms of chemistry or any other parameter. The difference was a historical one which no longer exists. K and S series hollow glass bubbles are primarily categorised by their particle size, true density and crush strength. These are different for each particular grade.

The most important application for powder PCEs is in cementitious dry mortar applications and in particular self levelling compounds (SLCs). Advanced high range water reducers like SIKA's powder Viscocrete PCEs are highly effective and require typically only 1/5 to 1/3 of conventional melamine superplasticisers whilst achieving enhanced flow, reduced shrinkage and improved strengths. Viscocrete products are entirely formaldehyde free and therefore suitable for the formulation of EMICODE EC1+ compliant products. The latest products like Viscocrete 510P and Viscocrete 520P are extremely fast dissolving leading to superior initial flow rates.

Arbocel cellulosic fibres are widely used in cementitious tile adhesives to reduce tile slip. A universal product would be Arbocel FD 40 which is off-white and can therefore be used in standard grey as well as white formulations. Typical addition levels are 0.3-0.5%. Attagel 25 is also used at levels between 0.5-0.1% and additionally gives a nice and creamy, non-sticky and highly thixotropic formulation.

BASF's Activated Alumina has a cheaper unit cost than that of KC-Trockenperlen which makes it a common choice for air drying units as long as they are regenerated with heat and not heatless systems. However if the initial outlay for the material can be set aside there are product lifetime benefits in the selection of KC-Trockenperlen materials due to the lower temperature regeneration of the material. Therefore over the lifetime of the desiccant an overall saving can be made.

The most widely used product is Metolat P13 which is VOC free and suitable for the formulation of EMICODE EC 1+ compliant products. Metolat P13 is therefore suitable for high performance screeds and self-levelling compounds where shrinkage needs to be reduced to a minimum. Metolat P13 consists of a blend of proprietary surface active additives on a powder carrier. In simple terms, the Metolat P13 works by reducing the surface tension of the air/water interface in the capillaries of the cement paste. The product is very effective in a wide range of different cement binder formulations (OPC, HAC, CSA and ternary systems).

Ultraflon MP 25 and MP 55 are both registered as NSF HX1 approved additives.

KC-Trockenperlen Orange Chameleon has a very distinct colour change from a deep orange to translucent at the point of around 6% moisture uptake by weight. This level of indication means that there is a good safe zone for operations such as power generator breathers where the user can be assured that the adsorbent is working efficiently. Further to that, the indicator in KC-Trockenperlen Orange Chameleon is cobalt free. Some other indicators which give a colour change of orange to blue contain cobalt(II) chloride (CoCl2) which is a known carcinogen. The MSDS for KC-Trockenperlen Orange Chameleon also does not need to state the indicator as a hazardous component and as such does not display any pictograms in line with GHS. Further to that, product quality and efficiency are assured as KC-Trockenperlen Orange Chameleon is based on KC-Trockenperlen N which meets adsorption performance as specified in MIL-D-3464-E and DIN 55473.