Silica fume reacts readily with the calcium hydroxide, which is produced during Portland cement hydration. Adding Silica fumes to concrete refines the pore structure. This then produces concrete with improved mechanical strength.

Concrete containing silica fume has very high strength and is, therefore, durable. Studies indicate that the addition of silica fume to cement improves the durability of water impermeability and the carbonation resistance of the concrete. Adding silica fume to concrete also gives the concrete greater resistance to chloride penetration. Such concrete can be used in building parking structures, bridges, and bridge decks.

Silica fume has different applications. Because of its high reactivity as a pozzolanic material, it is used to make high-strength concrete. This concrete gives architects and engineers greater design flexibility.

When you add silica fume to concrete, at first, it seems inactive. However, after adding Portland cement and water to the mix, they all begin to react with each other. The primary chemical reactions will produce two chemical compounds.

When you inhale non-crystalline silica dust, it can cause silicosis, which is an occupational lung disease. And over time, constant exposure to silica particles causes permanent lung scarring, called pulmonary fibrosis.

Silica fume is not the same thing as concrete. Concrete is a construction material that’s composed of cement, fine aggregates (sand), and coarse aggregates. When mixed with water, it hardens over time.

Silica fume for use in concrete comes in both wet and dry forms. Manufacturers tend to add it while producing the concrete at a plant.

Silica Fume has different colors- Dark grey, grey, light grey, and pure white.

Silica fume has chemical and physical properties. It has fine particles, a large surface area, and is comprised of high SiO2 content. Therefore, it is a very reactive pozzolana.