Silicon dioxide (E551)

Silica, in Latin Silicondioxide, silica is silicon dioxide. What is such a connection? These are solid crystals, colorless, odorless, they are quite hard, durable, ductile and refractory. In nature, this is the most common quartz, the smallest transparent grains of sand that are formed during the oxidation of silicon (Si).

SiO₂ is the molecular (chemical) formula of silicon dioxide.

Properties of silicon dioxide

This compound is a higher, tetravalent acidic silicon oxide. It has ideal resistance to oxygen, various acids (at a melting point of 1 ºС, it dissolves with hydrofluoric acid, alkalis). Silicon dioxide is insoluble in water and is a dielectric (does not conduct current).

Siliconium dioxide is an ideal alkali neutralizer.

Silica production for the food industry

In the food industry, SiO₂ is used as a food additive, which has its own index in the European code system – E551.

Silicon dioxide in its pure form is not used in the food industry. It uses powdered Silicon Dioxide, in other words, “white carbon”, amorphous silica. The production of E551 is carried out at specialized factories by two methods of artificial synthesis: by heating Si in an oxygen environment at a temperature equal to five hundred degrees Celsius, an oxidative reaction occurs, resulting in white soot, and in special sterilizers at tº 1 ºС, Silicon-Tetrachloride vapors react into hydrogen flame (second method).

Synthesized Silicondioxide belongs to a group of emulsifiers that provide uniformity to mixtures of naturally occurring immiscibles such as oil (of vegetable and animal origin) and fat with water.

The use of the E551 emulsifier in food production is allowed in all countries without exception (including the Russian Federation, Belarus, Ukraine, European countries), provided that its content in the finished product does not exceed the limit, i.e. 30 gr/kg. It does not harm health, it is safe to use.

Special requirements are imposed on the packaging and storage conditions of the food additive.

For packaging, bags made of durable polyethylene or special wrapping paper (kraft), as well as polypropylene (mandatory presence of a polyethylene insert) are used.

Food supplement E551 should be stored in a dry, closed room under the established humidity regime and certain ventilation.

The use of silicon dioxide

Until the unique properties of the substance were studied, it was mainly used to make building materials such as concrete and cement.

But as scientists, physicians, physiologists, chemists studied Siliconadioxide, other signs of it became known. The substance began to be used in radio engineering, in the production of refractory materials and rubber.

Due to its properties, the substance has found wide application in various industries, including food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetology.

In the food industry, the emulsifier is used as an anticoagulant (stabilizer) and neutralizer, as well as a thickener. It helps products to maintain flowability, prevents the formation of lumps and caking:

• silicon dioxide is added to ready-made bulk products, such as sugar, salt, flour, spices, as well as milk powder and cream, starch, egg powder, various seasonings and spices, and others;
• in dairy products in the manufacture of cheeses (to preserve their structure), silica is also used;
• it is also an indispensable component in the production of coffee, cocoa;
• E551 is also included in the composition of beer as an absorbent, contributes to the clarification of the drink, increases its exposure;
• it is widely used in the production of chips, crackers, all kinds of snacks, enhances the aroma of consumer products;
• in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages, silica is also used to stabilize acidity and neutralize excess alkalis;
• the production of confectionery and culinary products is not complete without the use of the E551 emulsifier; they treat sweet surfaces, with the exception of those covered with chocolate. It affects the terms of product sales, prolongs it (provides freshness, prevents products from sticking together), enhances taste and aroma.

Impact on the human body, benefits and harms

Until the end, the effect of silicon dioxide on the body has not been studied by scientists, but from their research today it can be concluded that the substance does not harm health when used correctly.

Silicon dioxide is completely excreted from the body, is not absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, Silicondioxide is present in the body, in blood and plasma.

Based on his practice, a German physiologist proved that silica is useful for humans, it prevents and prevents atherosclerosis, strengthens and cleanses blood vessels. Silicon water has not only absorbent properties, removes toxins and toxic substances from the human body, but also antibacterial.

There is a theory that the substance has a positive effect on the human body and reduces the risk of further development of a disease such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, this is only a hypothesis that scientists have to prove.

One thing is clear, that silicon dioxide dust can cause significant harm to health when it is inhaled (only in industrial production). It can serve the development of diseases such as silicosis of the lungs. Moderate use of food additive E551 is safe for health.