Elkem is the leading manufacturer and supplier of Silica Fume, offering high-quality MICROSILICA®, a registered trademark of Elkem Silicon Materials in Norway, to meet the growing demand for advanced concrete solutions. It is a mineral additive, comprising millions of sub-micron-sized spherical, amorphous silicon dioxide particles, that is added into concrete mixture to enhance the durability of concrete. This high-quality material is composed of extremely fine particles of silicon dioxide, which, when incorporated into concrete, fill the voids between larger particles. This fine particle composition of the product enables it to act as a highly reactive pozzolan, facilitating beneficial chemical reactions with cement to enhance the overall properties of the concrete.’
By improving particle packing and facilitating key chemical reactions, the product contributes to a denser, more cohesive mix that delivers superior performance in various construction applications. Additionally, the microsilica particles participate in a pozzolanic reaction, where silicon dioxide reacts with calcium hydroxide, resulting in superior concrete strength and durability. Its use is critical in achieving high-performance concrete, particularly in demanding environments where strength and longevity are essential. The product conforms to international standards such as EN 13263 and ASTM C1240, ensuring that it significantly improves fresh concrete properties. For over 30 years, the product has been the trusted choice for the world’s most prestigious construction projects.
Advantages of Elkem Microsilica®
- Enhances both the compressive strength and durability of concrete.
- Improves workability and reduces permeability in the concrete mix.
- Increased resistance to sulphate attack and alkali-silica reaction (ASR).
- Offers environmental benefits by reducing the carbon footprint.
- Provides a smoother surface finish & accelerates early strength development.
- Enhances cohesion and reduces segregation within the concrete.
- Improves resistance to chemical attacks, extending concrete lifespan.
- Allows for the use of thinner concrete sections without compromising strength.
- Offers better resistance to abrasion and erosion, enhancing longevity.
- Increases resistance to chloride ion penetration, beneficial for marine environments.
- Improves resistance to carbonation, protecting concrete integrity in harsh conditions.
- Comes with higher electrical resistivity, reducing the risk of corrosion in concrete.
- Reduces the risk of alkali-aggregate reaction, mitigating potential long-term deterioration.
- Reduces shrinkage, minimising the risk of cracking in concrete structures.
Elkem Microsilica® Product Range:
- ELKEM MICROSILICA® 920: A dry silica fume powder in Undensified (U) and Densified (D) forms, enhancing fire performance and durability in construction materials.
- ELKEM MICROSILICA® 940: A dry silica fume powder that acts as both a physical filler and highly reactive pozzolan, essential in various construction materials.
- MICROWHITE®: A high-purity microsilica with consistent properties and light colour, suited for a range of construction applications.
- GROUTAID®: A specially formulated additive that improves flowability and hardening for injection grouting in soils, concrete cracks, and stones.
The products are supplied as dry powder, which can be packaged in either bags or bulk tankers. In some regions, it is also supplied in liquid form.
Elkem Microsilica® Applications
Elkem MICROSILICA® provides a diverse range of formulations designed to meet specific requirements across various applications:
- Bridges: Used to enhance durability and extend the service life of concrete in sea bridges. It reduces concrete permeability, increasing resistance to sulphates, chloride ingress, and reinforcement corrosion.
- Buildings: Improves compressive strength and performance in high-rise structures by enhancing particle packing and facilitating pozzolanic reactions in the concrete mix.
- Tunnels: Enhances the cohesion of sprayed concrete (shotcrete), reduces rebound and wastage, and improves strength and permeability.
- Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC): Optimising particle packing and enhancing pozzolanic reactions, resulting in concrete with strengths exceeding 150 MPa, suitable for demanding applications like offshore wind turbine foundations.
Over the past three decades, the use of Elkem Microsilica® in India has seen remarkable growth. This advanced product has enabled the production of concrete with strengths exceeding 100 MPa, contributing to numerous high-performance projects. Notable examples include nuclear power stations like Kaiga, Kota, and Tarapur, various hydroelectric projects, and iconic structures such as the JJ Flyover, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Statue of Unity, Dhirubhai Ambani International Convention and Exhibition Center, Lodha World One tower, and the Delhi Metro. Currently, Elkem Microsilica® is also playing a crucial role in ongoing projects like the Mumbai Metro, Coastal Road project, and the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train project, significantly contributing to India’s infrastructure development.
About Elkem
Elkem is recognized as the leading manufacturers and suppliers of premier silica fume, distinguished by its collaborative approach with customers and ongoing research and development initiatives with leading academic and research institutions. With production facilities spanning across Norway, Europe, North America, South America, and Asia, the company has an extensive network of sales offices, agents, and distributors covering major global markets and provides customers with access to high-quality materials and expert guidance to optimise resources for concrete projects.
Committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, the company prioritises sustainable practices and responsible business operations. It invests in its employees, emphasising Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) as fundamental to its people philosophy, attributing 70% of its success to its workforce. The company aims to stay ahead of emerging global trends by introducing new product lines, enhancing its portfolio, and embracing Digitalization & Automation to improve operational efficiency and elevate the customer experience. With a core focus on providing high-quality products and value-added services, the company empowers its customers with a competitive edge in the marketplace, supporting their success and growth.
For more details;
Elkem South Asia Pvt. Ltd.
B-307/308 BSEL Tech Park Vashi, Sector 30A Navi Mumbai Maharashtra 400-705 India
Website: www.elkem.com
