Description
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a natural silica source formed from the sedimentation of single cell aquatic organisms called diatoms. DE can form in marine or fresh water environments and exhibit properties that are related to their unique shape and structure. These properties vary according to the diatom species found in each deposit, each with differing chemistries, shape factor and pore structures. Diatomite is the name of processed DE.
Natural grades are dried, milled and classified. The naturally bright ore is dried at about 200° C, sized and packaged. There is no high heat treatment:
- Celite 266
- Celite 289
- Celite Celtix
- Celite Snow Floss
Calcined grades are processed in a rotary kiln at high temperatures (calcination) to remove impurities and impart desirable rheological characteristics:
- Celite 350
- Celite Filter Cel
- Celite PS
- Celite 577
- Celite Standard Super-Cel
Flux-calcined grades are mixed with a flux agent and processed in a rotary kiln at 1600-1800°F. In this process, the diatomite agglomerates, is further purified, and becomes a brighter white. Flux calcined grades provide high flatting efficiency and brightness:
- Celite 281
- CeliteHyflo Super-Cel
- Celite Super Fine Floss
- Celite 499
- CeliteSuper Floss
- Celite White Mist
Diatomite is useful as a functional additive in a wide variety of applications due to its unique combination of physical properties, including:
- High porosity and surface area
- Thermal and chemical stability
- Unique particle structure, shape and size
- Low specific gravity
- Minimal interaction with other additives
- Whiteness
CelTiX offers extraordinary hiding power with moderate gloss control, and may be combined with Celite flux calcined or DiaFil natural grades to produce high-hiding, dead-flat finishes.