Diatomaceous Earth DE-100 (Flux-Calcined)

Flux-calcined DE is produced by calcining raw diatomaceous earth with a small amount of soda flux at temperatures above 900°C. The flux promotes fusion of fine particles and recrystallisation of amorphous silica into crystalline cristobalite, resulting in a product with larger, more open pore structures, harder particles, and improved filtration efficiency. For coatings use, flux-calcined DE is preferred as a matting agent because its porosity gives very high oil absorption (120–180 g/100g), producing effective gloss reduction at low addition levels (3–8% by weight).