Talc in Chemical Industry

Synthetic magnesium silicates have broad applications in industry and are used extensively in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biodiesel purification, and chromatography. Laponite, a commercially available synthetic magnesium silicate, is used widely as a rheological modifier and filler for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals and has also been studied for its potential in biomedical applications, including 3D bioprinting and tissue regeneration. In these fields, synthetic magnesium silicates also have potential in applications where natural magnesium silicates are used, including active ingredients or excipients for oral and topical pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The synthetic magnesium silicate, Magnesol, is used broadly in the biodiesel industry due to its adsorptive properties. The active sites formed from the free silonal groups on the surface of magnesium silicate make it an excellent adsorbent resulting in extensive studies on its use as an adsorbent especially for used oils and wastewater treatment.



The adsorption properties are also exploited in chromatography, where synthetic magnesium silicate, sold as Florisil, is used widely in analytical and preparative chromatography applications Additional applications and studies of synthetic magnesium silicate include its use as a paint additive, cement additive, anticorrosion coating, drug carrier in organic–inorganic hybrid materials, and a polymer filler Due to the significant role of magnesium silicates in various industries, characterizing its stability in conjunction with other compounds and at different conditions for formulations is vital.

Synthetic and natural magnesium silicates have similar application potentials due to similarities in their structures. In the literature, there have been many studies on the synthesis of magnesium silicates. Methods to control the physicochemical properties and morphology of magnesium silicates have also been examined, including the effects of surface modification the effects of additives during synthesis, including nonionic surfactants, and sodium hydroxide, as well as the effects of pH on synthesis and adsorption capacity. Compared with the polycrystalline structure of natural magnesium silicate minerals, synthetic magnesium silicates commercially available are often amorphous and porous, potentially resulting in more significant dissociation in a liquid dispersion system. For example, in acidic solutions, Mg2+ ions can be leached out, i.e., dissociate from the silicate ion pairs, known as “acid leaching” of silicates. Reaction of the free Mg2+ ions with other species in the solution can generate magnesium complexes that may alter product integrity and physical properties upon storage. Several studies have shown changes in magnesium silicate properties and morphology upon the addition of surfactants and ionic compounds or as an effect of pH. However, to the best of our knowledge, studies on synthetic magnesium silicate stability under these conditions are lacking. Consequently, there is a need to determine the stability of synthetic magnesium silicate in various solutions and monitor possible changes in morphology.








Talc is used commercially because of its fragrance retention, luster, purity, softness, and whiteness. Other commercially important properties of talc are its chemical inertness, high dielectric strength, high thermal conductivity, low electrical conductivity, and oil and grease adsorption.
Talc powder has physicochemical properties such as lubrication, softness, anti-adhesion, good gloss, flow aid, hydrophobicity, good hiding power, strong adsorption force, fire resistance, insulation, acid resistance, etc. Widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, coatings, paper, plastics, rubber, cables, ceramics, textiles and other manufacturing industries; At the same time, talcum powder has the characteristics of heat removal, moisture permeability, and phlegm, and is often used to treat diseases such as heat and polydipsia, urination, water diarrhea, phlegm, gonorrhea, jaundice, edema, blood stasis.
Magnesium silicate is also used to absorb moisture, prevent caking, and to improve the feel of a product. In the pharmaceutical companies, it is used as a dietary supplement, as part of the formulation ingredients in drug production, in antacid and antiulcer preparations, as a component of antiepileptic drugs, in antifungal topical agents and in the treatment of acne and as a facial moisturizer. When complexed with arginine, magnesium silicate can be used as an antiatherosclerosis agent and to promote bone and cartilage formation in mammals





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