Hydrophilic Silica: Produced without surface treatment. Naturally attracts water. Ideal for polar systems (e.g., water-based coatings, adhesivos, sealants).
Hydrophobic Silica: Treated with silanes or organosilanes to repel water. Better compatibility with non-polar systems like oils, silicone, resins, and waxes.
Production & Surface Treatment
- Base product: Fumed or Precipitated Silica
- Hydrophobic treatment methods: Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS), Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Trimethylsilyl
- Particle surface becomes water-repellent, oil-compatible, and stable in hydrophobic environments
Key Differences Table
| Propiedad | Hydrophilic Silica | Hydrophobic Silica |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Treatment | None | Organosilane-treated |
| Water Affinity | Attracts water | Repels water |
| Ideal Systems | Polar (water-based) | Non-polar (aceite, silicone) |
| Aplicaciones | Adhesivos, Tintas, pharma | Cosméticos, resins, revestimientos |
| Flowability | Moderate | High |
Applications by Industry
🎨 Coatings & Sealants
- Hydrophilic: Improves viscosity, anti-sag, and dispersion in waterborne systems
- Hydrophobic: Prevents moisture sensitivity, used in epoxy/silicone sealants
🧴 Personal Care & Cosméticos
- Used in loose powders, foundations, Cremas
- Provides soft focus, Anti-aglomerante, oil control
🧪 Industrial Formulations
- Thixotropic control for adhesives and composites
- Flow aid in powders and granules
KosNature Silica Grades
| Calificación | Tipo | BET Surface Area | Treatment | Subir Papaya |
| KS-HL200 | Hydrophilic | 200 m²/g | None | Water-based systems |
| KS-HP250 | Hydrophobic | 250 m²/g | HMDS surface treated | Silicone sealants, cosméticos |
| KS-HP300 | Hydrophobic | 300 m²/g | PDMS modified | Epoxy systems, waxes |
Why KosNature?
- Manufacturer of both hydrophilic & hydrophobic silica
- Full control of surface treatment chemistry
- Custom BET, pH, particle size available
- Global shipping, fast samples, expert formulation support
Looking for high-performance silica for water-based or oil-based formulations? KosNature provides precise solutions tailored to your system’s polarity.
Request a free sample or quotation.