A research-led approach
Ask differently.
Discover more.
Every new material starts with a question. What should it do, under which conditions — and what still stands in the way?
Our R&D approach connects application challenges with silica design, experimental evidence and a viable route to production.
Explore research themes- 01Frame the question
Define the use conditions
- 02Explore the material
Build and compare hypotheses
- 03Test what matters
Agree evidence and next steps
R&D across industries
Different challenges.
Deeper research.
Research questions shaped by how each industry formulates, processes and uses materials.
Coatings & construction
Study how silica interacts with binders, curing conditions and ageing — from early formulation to long-term surface behaviour.
Rubber & polymer systems
Explore dispersion and the filler–polymer interface, balancing reinforcement with processing demands.
Beauty & personal care
Investigate particle shape, sensory response and ingredient compatibility across emerging cosmetic formats.
Food & process systems
Explore selective adsorption, carrier structures and behaviour in real processing conditions.
Agriculture & crop systems
Study carriers, release behaviour and formulation stability, then define suitable crop and field evaluations.
New silica directions
New structures.
New possibilities.
Looking beyond today’s grades to the next material architectures.
These themes guide future research and joint exploration. Each concept needs feasibility work and application validation before a commercial pathway is defined.
Next-generation colloids
Explore particle architectures and stable dispersions for new formulation environments.
Selective porous structures
Investigate pore access and surface affinity for adsorption, separation and carrier concepts.
Hybrid silica & composites
Study functional interfaces that connect silica with polymers and other material systems.
Aerogels & light structures
Explore porous networks where low density, thermal behaviour and strength must work together.
Open to collaboration
Beyond today.
Research together.
We welcome conversations with industry teams, universities and research partners on material questions that reach beyond established applications.
Water treatment, energy-related materials and catalyst supports are potential areas to explore together — starting with a clear use case and measurable research goals.
A joint project starts by agreeing scope, confidentiality and intellectual property, then defining experiments, review milestones and the next development decision.
Shared questions.
New frontiers.
Start a research conversation
Your challenge.
Our next question.
Share the application, the challenge and what success would look like.