WACKER's Pyrogenic Silica Successfully Completes REACH Registration

Munich, April 24, 2009 - The Munich-based chemical Group WACKER has successfully concluded registration of its pyrogenic silicas in the "silicon dioxide" substance group according to the REACH regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction processes for chemical substances. This was announced by the European Chemicals Agency ECHA in mid-March. The Helsinki-located agency confirmed that the registration documents were complete as per REACH. WACKER is thus one of the first companies in the world that are authorized to continue manufacturing, importing and marketing pyrogenic silicas without restriction.

In pre registering its pyrogenic silica with the trade name HDK® back in early June 2008, WACKER was already performing the ground-work for its early registration. The REACH registration that has now been completed is based on a comprehensive substance dossier pre-pared by an industrial consortium in which WACKER has an active part. The dossier contains a wide range of physicochemical and other data on this substance group, including the results of toxicological, epidemiological and ecotoxicological studies especially conducted for this purpose.

WACKER manufactures HDK® by the hydrolysis of volatile chloro-silanes in an oxyhydrogen flame. That produces a high-purity amorphous silicon dioxide powder, known as pyrogenic silica. Besides high purity, HDK® is also characterised by the immense specific surface area of its particles. This property is responsible for the substance's wide range of technologically attractive properties.

The applications of HDK® include rheology control of coatings and printing inks, adhesives and sealants. HDK® is used in reinforcing silicone elastomers, polishing silicon wafers and as an extremely effective thermal insulating material. It is also a thickener and flow enhancer in personal hygiene products such as toothpaste, and in foods and pharmaceuticals.