Silica sol is a colloidal dispersion of nano-scale silica particles in water: odourless, non-toxic and milky white. Because the silica surface carries abundant hydroxyl groups it can also be written as SiO₂·nH₂O. XT-1430 is an alkaline silica sol dedicated to the prime and backup coats of investment casting: the particle size is uniform and castings come out with a smooth finish; used as a prime and backup pair it gives shells high strength at elevated temperature and low strength when cold, so that they knock out easily. It also serves in high-grade coatings (vivid, durable, ageing-resistant films), as a catalyst and catalyst carrier (high purity, good activity, 130–270 m²/g surface area), in textile sizing (less static and breakage, higher yield), as a metal treatment agent, a fire-retardant additive and a treatment agent for silicon steel sheets. Supplied in 25 kg or 250 kg drums and in bulk.
