Wacker Chemie AG is increasing its production capacities for HDK pyrogenic silica. To this end, Wacker is expanding a hydrophobic silica specialties plant at its site in Burghausen, Germany. The plant’s capacity will rise by 40 percent as a result, with capital expenditures on the project amounting to €1.4 million. With work beginning early next year, project completion is expected in the third quarter of 2017.

Hydrophobic – i.e. water-repellent – specialty silicas are used in toner powders for printers. They enhance the stability of the end product, as well as its flow and charging properties. Used in specialty adhesives and paints, these kinds of silicas permit optimum adjustment of rheological and mechanical properties.

“The expansion enables us to meet rising customer demand for highquality specialties and tailored solutions from Wacker,” said Auguste Willems, Wacker Executive Board member. “This project is part of our strategy to achieve further profitable growth through cost-effective expansions at existing plants and to increase the proportion of specialties in our total business.”

Wacker produces HDK pyrogenic silica at Burghausen and Nünchritz in Germany and Zhangjiagang in China. The Munich-based chemical company is the world’s third-largest manufacturer in this sector. Ultrapure powder-form amorphous silicon dioxide is used as a filler in silicone elastomers and as a rheology-control additive in paints, adhesives, unsaturated polyester resins and plastisols. It also serves as a flow aid in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and foodprocessing industries.