- Elkem
- Smarter cities & construction
- Strengthening & protective applications
- Silica fume for fibre cement
Silica fume for fibre cement
Silica fume, also known as microsilica, is used to enhance the properties of fibre cement – and ever since the 1980s, we’ve been diversifying our microsilica portfolio to better help our customers.
The role of microsilica in fibre cement
Microsilica is commonly used in the production of fibre cement. Elkem MICROSILICA® acts as an interactive filler and a highly reactive pozzolanic ingredient in fibre cement recipes.
In the wet recipe, the addition of Elkem MICROSILICA® improves the dispersion of cement grains and fibers, boosting their efficiency and at the same time surrounding individual particles with an improved matrix. Once cement hydration reaction starts, Elkem MICROSILICA® interacts with the free lime released to create additional high strength binder that locks the added fibers in place and protects them, thus improving the overall durability of the final product. Fibre cement products containing Elkem MICROSILICA® exhibit improved overall durability, particularly with regard to permeability, strength, chemical and impact resistance.
Silicon-based materials for construction
ELKEM MICROSILICA® 920
ELKEM MICROSILICA® 920 is a dry silica fume powder used as a filler and reactive pozzolan in construction materials, to improve fire performance and overall durability, available in two forms, Undensified (U) and Densified (D).
Product data sheet gypsum board applications
ELKEM MICROSILICA® 940
ELKEM MICROSILICA® 940 is a dry silica fume powder. It is a key ingredient in many construction materials. In use, it acts physically as a filler and chemically as a highly reactive pozzolan.
Product data sheet gypsum board applications
EMSAC® 500
EMSAC® 500 is an aqueous suspension of ELKEM MICROSILICA®. It is a key ingredient in many construction materials. In use, it acts physically as a filler and chemically as a highly reactive pozzolan.
Product data sheet gypsum board applications
Product data sheet fibre cement applications
ELKEM MICROSILICA® Slurry (EMSAC® 500E)
ELKEM MICROSILICA® Slurry (EMSAC® 500E), an aqueous suspension of microsilica compliant with EN 13263.
Product data sheet slurry concrete applications
MICROWHITE®
MICROWHITE®, a high purity microsilica for construction applications featuring purity, consistent properties and lightness of color.
Product data sheet microwhite concrete applications
GROUTAID®
GROUTAID® is a specially formulated additive to increase the efficiency of injection grouting by improving both flowability and hardening for injection into soils and cracks in concrete and stone.
Product data sheet groutaid applications
Product Data Sheet center
If you are looking for our product safety datasheets, you can also go to our product safety datasheet center
Innovation, flexibility and sustainability
Elkem MICROSILICA®, the original and market-leading silica fume product, was introduced in the early 1980s and has constantly been improved and diversified to produce new and innovative products for a sustainable fibre cement industry.
Elkem works collaboratively with customers to determine their evolving needs, driving our R&D together with them and working with experts in leading academic and research institutes to find solutions for more efficient and sustainable fibre cement production. This collaborative approach enables us to constantly innovate and meet new operational needs, while complying with changing regulatory requirements.
Elkem continues to move toward more renewable energies that generate less carbon. Elkem has committed more widely to sustainability with an ongoing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policy that is regularly reviewed, updated and implemented.
A safe and efficient additive for asbestos-free fibre cement
In the late 19th century, an Austrian scientist, Ludwig Hatschek, had the ingenious idea of creating a mix of 90% cement and 10% asbestos fibres that was then run through a paper-making machine to create a revolutionary new building material, fibre cement.
Unfortunately, it became apparent in the middle of the 20th century that the asbestos fibres used in these materials were dangerous if inhaled. It attacks the lungs, causing illness and sometimes death.
For many years, researchers looked for viable alternatives to asbestos fibres. In the 1980s, Elkem developed an additive based on silica fume, which enabled the safe production of fibre cement using the high-strength Elkem MICROSILICA® binder.
To learn more about Elkem MICROSILICA® fibre cement, watch our video:
The history of microsilica and its properties
Read More about corporate governance documents
SILICA FUME IN CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS
Contact us
Take your business to the next level by partnering with a world-leading material manufacturer.