FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q: What products does Sensil Chemical specialize in?

A: Sensil Chemical specializes in Precipitated Silica products including hydrophobic silica (CensilGuard), silica matting agents (CensilMat), silica carriers (CensilFeed), and specialty silica for coatings, feed, adhesives, and industrial applications. We offer 11+ models across all product lines.

Q: Where is Sensil Chemical based?

A: Sensil is a US-based company (Sensil International LLC) with manufacturing facilities in China. This gives us international quality standards with cost advantages  typically 15-40% lower than European competitors.

Q: What certifications do your products carry?

A: Key certifications include: FAMI-QS (Certificate No. CNBJ380053-CN, audited by Bureau Veritas), ISO 22000 for food-grade, Kosher and Halal certifications, and REACH registered for European market access.

Hydrophobic Silica (CensilGuard)

Q: What is hydrophobic silica and what does it do?

A: Hydrophobic silica is precipitated Silica surface-treated (with PDMS, HMDS, or alkylsilane) to repel water. This prevents hard settling and caking in formulations, ideal for coatings (anti-settling matting), feed additives (anti-caking), and defoamers.

Q: Is CensilGuard a drop-in replacement for Evonik SIPERNAT D10/D17?

A: Yes, for most applications. CensilGuard matches SIPERNAT's profile with comparable particle size, surface treatment, and anti-caking performance  at 30-40% lower cost. We recommend small-batch validation to confirm compatibility.

Q: What surface treatment options are available?

A: Three options: PDMS (general hydrophobicity), HMDS (improved organic system compatibility), and Alkylsilane (permanent covalent bonding for 2K polyurethane and UV-cure systems).

Q: How do I prevent silica from settling and forming hard cake?

A: Hard packing is caused by hydrogen bonding between silanol groups on hydrophilic silica. Use hydrophobic (surface-treated) silica  the organic coating blocks silanol groups. Settled particles form soft sediment that redisperses in 10-30 seconds of stirring.

Silica Matting Agents (CensilMat)

Q: What is the recommended addition rate for matting agents?

A: 2-5% by weight for most coatings. Light satin: 1-2%. Ultra-flat: 5-6%. Depends on target gloss, resin system, and silica grade.

Q: Can hydrophobic silica matting agents be used in waterborne coatings?

A: Yes. Use a wetting agent (0.1-0.3%), pre-disperse in co-solvent, select moderate hydrophobicity grade. PDMS treatment works better than HMDS for waterborne systems.

Q: Wax-treated vs silane-treated matting silica?

A: Wax-treated (3-8% wax coating): soft-pack in alkyd/acrylic/polyester, redisperses under 60 seconds. Silane-treated: covalent bonding for permanent hydrophobicity, ideal for 2K polyurethane and UV-cure. More expensive but superior chemical resistance.

Feed & Food Grade (CensilFeed)

Q: Recommended addition rate in animal feed?

A: 0.5-2.0% by weight for feed premixes, vitamin powders, and amino acid blends. Provides effective anti-caking and flow enhancement.

Technical & Ordering

Q: How do I request a sample or TDS?

A: Free samples (up to 500g) and full TDS available. Visit our product page or email john@sensilchem.com.

Q: What is the typical lead time?

A: Standard orders ship within 7-15 business days from our China facility. Safety stock maintained for popular grades.

Q: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

A: Standard MOQ is 1 metric ton (1,000 kg) per grade. Smaller trial quantities can be arranged.

Q: Can you provide custom specifications?

A: Yes. OEM and custom formulation services including custom BET surface area, particle size distribution, surface treatment chemistry, and private labeling.

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