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What is ˝Silica sand˝
and what is it used for?

Silica sand has a range of uses in everyday life across multiple industries.

Silica sand, also known as quartz sand, white sand, or industrial sand, is made up of two main elements: silica and oxygen (specifically, silicon dioxide SiO2). In order to be considered as silica sand the material contains at least 95% SiO2 and less than 0.6% iron oxide, otherwise the quartz sand qualifies as ‘regular’ or ‘industrial’ sand. How silica sand is used depends on physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics such as grain size, shape, colour, structure, and distribution, as well as refractoriness, strength and stability. These characteristics can differ depending on how the mineral is processed after it is mined.

The newest development
in researches – “Biofertilizer”
for soil & plants!

Biotechnology in quartz sand for production of biofertilizers, biopesticides and biostimulants

Our researches show that the usage of biofertilizers improves nutrient and soil conditions for bigger root mass and better harvest quality, accelerates conversion of organic substances, increases humus production, shortens the growing season and highers yield through improved availability of nutrients.

On the image on the right it is clearly visible how much of the difference biofertilizer made on the chilli papper plant in just 14 days. The foliage got stronger, thicker and greener and the plant developed new fruits! The effect is incredible! Check out the before&after biofertilizer image!

Find out more in our “Reports” section and “New Research – Biofertilizer for Soil&Plants!”

Čili paprika bez bio-gnojivaČili paprika sa bio-gnojivom
The project
Slide

Soil microflora is renewed by plant growth promoting bacteria which increase nutrient bioavailability and uptake. Naturally produced organic acids strongly support plant development and growth and replace pesticides.
See more results

Improved health & growth of the plant

WITH ekofertile™

Biofertilizer-slider-basil

WITH
ekofertile™

WITHOUT
ekofertile™

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Due to the important micro and macronutrients from dissolved natural minerals, soil structure is optimized and promotes root, flower and fruit growth and development. Improved nutrient and soil conditions results in bigger root mass.
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Enhanced development of roots, foliage & fruits

WITH ekofertile™

Biofertilizer-slider-chilli-pepper

WITH
ekofertile™

WITHOUT
ekofertile™

Slide

Yield is increased through improved availability of nutrients and the growing season is shortened. Organic acids naturally produced by bacteria strongly support growth and yield while protecting the plants against pests.
See more results

Increased yealds
of the crops
Biofertilizer-slider-potatoes

WITH
ekofertile™

WITHOUT
ekofertile™

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Seven other common uses
for Silica sand:

Građevinski materijali

1. Construction materials

Silica sand (often called industrial sand when used for this purpose) is the main structural component in a number of construction products. Flooring, mortars, cement, roofing shingles, asphalt, and other industrial materials all use silica to improve durability and structural integrity. As silica is resistant to weather, wear and corrosion, it is often used as a caulk or sealant. About 95% of the commercial use of silicon dioxide (sand) occurs in the construction industry, e.g. for the production of concrete in Portland cement.

2. Paints & coatings

Silica sand is used in paints and coatings to improve the overall look and durability of the paint. Silica fillers improve paint’s tint reduction and dirt resistance, and because of silica sand’s oil-absorption properties it makes a durable coating that’s rich in pigment and resistant to wear and tear. Select grades of clean angular, quartz sand or aggregate are commonly added to sealcoating, also for streets and pavements, with the effect to improve traction, skid resistance and longevity of any kind of surfaces.

Kvarcni pijesak u bojama
Kvarcni pijesak u sistemima za filtraciju

3. Filtration media

One of the most common uses of silica sand is in water filtration, whether processing well water or filtering your tap water, industry wastewater, water reservoir, aquariums and swimming water of pools, Because of its uniform shape and size, silica sand is an effective filtration bed that consistently removes contaminants from water. Also, it does not degrade when exposed to acidic chemicals.

4. Ceramics

Silica is an important component in the construction and glazing of all types of ceramics including tableware, floor tiles, wall tiles, and more. Silica serves as the structural backbone of ceramic products helping to regulate expansion and shrinkage, ensuring ceramics dry properly, and improving the overall durability of the ceramic items.

Ceramic product
Glass product

5. Glassmaking

Silica sand is a major ingredient in the production of glassmaking—in fact, silica is the primary component in standard glass products ranging from a large variation of windows, bottles, industrial laboratory equipment and household products such as bowls, vases etc. . The purity of the silica sand used plays a role in determining the color, strength and clarity of the final product.

6. Solar panels & microchips

Silicon or also Silica Oxide is by far the most common semiconductor material used in solar cells and microchips, representing approximately 95%. Due to its effective semi-conducting properties, it has the characteristic conducts electricity partially. A solar cell is made of two types of semiconductors, called p-type and n-type silicon. If the n-type and p-type layers are connected with a metallic wire, then the electrons will travel between the layer by crossing the depletion and is creating a flow of electricity. Silicon is so widely used as it is easy to extract from silica sand in large quantities.

Kvarcni pijesak u solarnim panelima
Kvarcni pijesak za nasipanje travnjaka i golf terena

7. Lawn, golf courses & sports fields

Silica sand is used for commercial and private Lawn, greens on golf courses, bunkers, and as well for natural and synthetic sports fields. The silica sand distributed over entire surfaces of the lawn results in order to favor its penetration. It has the effect to maintain greens and fairways because of its ability to support drainage and natural plant growth. For turf fields, silica sand is used as the main structural component of an uncontaminated filtration media.