Evonik Industries is expanding its capacities for refinement fumed silica in Rheinfelden (Germany). The Group will invest an amount in the low double-digit million euro range to expand its Rheinfelden facility, which further processes hydrophilic silica to a hydrophobic variety. The expansion, scheduled to become operational in late 2020, is associated with Evonik's effort to consistently expand its silica business for specialty applications.
"Our expansion in Rheinfelden is aimed at supporting the growth of existing application areas in highly specialized fields and at opening up new, innovative uses," says Johannes Ohmer, member of the Board of Management of Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH.
Hydrophobic fumed silica, which Evonik markets under the brand name AEROSIL®, particularly stands out for its low moisture absorption and excellent dispersibility. It is used for rheology control and as an anti-settling agent in coating systems, adhesive and sealant materials and as a thickener and anti-caking agent, e.g. in silicone rubber, toners and cosmetics.
"Rheinfelden is the parent plant for our hydrophobic fumed silicas. We decided in favor of expanding the site because the investment will help us make even better use of existing facilities. In addition, the local process know-how and specific long-term experience with the construction and operation of the plants were essential considerations for us," says Andreas Fischer, head of the Silica Business Line.
The investment will expand the company's annual capacity for hydrophilic fumed silica at the existing Rheinfelden site by 20 percent to meet heavy market demand.
Evonik is a leading global manufacturer of silica. In addition to the fumed silica AEROSIL® and the precipitated silica ULTRASIL®, SIPERNAT®, ZEODENT® and SPHERILEX®, Evonik also produces silica based matting agents under the brand name ACEMATT® and other fumed metal oxides under the brand AEROXIDE®. Overall, Evonik has a global production capacity for all silica based products of about 1 million metric tons/year.