Properties of ASORBIO®
Activated zeolites or molecular sieves are crystalline aluminosilicates with a unique structure that allows them to thermally remove crystalline water molecules, forming a porous structure consisting of channels and cavities that have a high affinity for the re-adsorption of water and other polar molecules.
Due to the high electrostatic attractions caused by the presence of cations (such as sodium, potassium and calcium) and the large specific surface area (up to 1000 m2/g), molecular sieves can adsorb large quantities of water or other adsorbates.
Another property of molecular sieves is their ability to separate components, e.g. from gas mixtures or in liquids, depending on the size of the molecules and the zeolite’s affinity for them. The pores and cavities of zeolites are similar in size to, or larger than, many molecules, which allows binding and thus separation of molecules based on their kinetic diameter.
The second condition is the zeolite’s attraction or affinity, which is stronger for certain molecules than for others. Examples of this include oil refining, where linear hydrocarbons can be adsorbed but branched hydrocarbons cannot due to steric hindrance, and the separation of O2 and N2 molecules due to the difference in affinity based on polarity.
Production of Activated Zeolites
Zeolite 3A has a pore size of 3 angstroms and is produced by exchanging the potassium and sodium ions in zeolite 4A.
Zeolite 4A has a pore size of 4 angstroms and an LTA crystal structure. It is also the basis for zeolites 3A and 5A.
Zeolite 5A has a pore size of 5 angstroms and is produced by exchanging the calcium and sodium ions in zeolite 4A.
Zeolite 13X has a pore size of 10 angstroms and an FAU crystal structure.
Zeolite ZSM-5 has a pore size of 10 angstroms and is distinctly hydrophobic, meaning it adsorbs around ten times less water than the other zeolites mentioned above. It can therefore be said to have organophilic properties (affinity), and is thus suitable for the adsorption of VOCs and for use as a catalyst in the oil and plastics industries.
ASORBIO® ZAP is distinguished by its controlled particle size and absence of impurities.
ASORBIO® ZAG has excellent flowability, higher bulk density, wettability and self-regeneration properties, does not cause dusting, and allows airflow.
- High purity: the Al₂O₃ content typically exceeds 99%.
- High hardness: comparable to corundum (9 on the Mohs hardness scale), which makes it ideal for abrasive applications.
- Thermal stability: withstands extremely high temperatures, making it ideal for refractory materials.
- Chemical inertness: resistant to acids and bases, ensuring a long lifetime in harsh environments.
- Controlled particle size: available in different sizes for specific applications.
- Controlled specific surface area: can be adjusted to improve reactivity or inertness.
Applications of zeolite activated powders ASORBIO® ZAP
Polyurethane
Zeolite activated powders Asorbio® ZAP are used as molecular sieves to remove moisture during the production of polyurethane products, where the presence of water molecules can cause negative effects.
Learn more
Paints and coatings
ASORBIO® ZAP zeolite activated powder molecular sieves are highly effective additives for removing water molecules during the production of metallic pigmented paints and coatings.
Plastic Recycling
The different pore sizes and hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties of the crystalline structure of ASORBIO® zeolite adsorbents enable them to adsorb various unpleasant odors produced during plastic waste processing and recycling.
Cosmetics
Zeolites are used as additives in creams, lotions and other water-free cosmetic products to create a warming effect. Water adsorption on ASORBIO® ZAP zeolite activated powder molecules is an exothermic process during which the zeolite heats up and releases warmth.
Polymeric adsorbents
Zeolites in polymer mixtures are used as adsorption agents in pharmaceutical and food packaging. Zeolites (e.g. ASORBIO® ZAP-3A) are used to produce polymer spacers for insulating glass.
Applications of zeolite activated granulates ASORBIO® ZAG
Desiccants
Molecular sieves or ASORBIO® ZAG 4A zeolite activated granulates are hydrophilic zeolites with high water affinity, which makes them useful as desiccants in a range of applications.
Gas purification
ASORBIO® ZAG molecular sieves enable adsorption, which is a highly energy-efficient process for separating gases. Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) is used to produce high purity gases (O2, CO2, He, Ar, H2, etc.) with zeolites.
Wastewater Treatment
Zeolites have a wide range of applications in wastewater treatment. Zeolites are excellent ion exchangers that can remove large amounts of heavy metals, such as Zn2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, from water. They are also used to stabilize the pH level.
Chemical industry
Zeolite activated granulates (e.g. ASORBIO® ZAG-MFI) are used as catalysts in the chemical industry in various organic and inorganic reactions or as carriers of active components in catalytic reactions.
ASORBIO® ZAP – Zeolite Activated Powders
| Type of Product | ZAP-3A | ZAP-4A | ZAP-5A | ZAP-13X | ZAP-MFI-30 | ZAP-PU | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anhydrous solids content, 1 h/800 °C | % | 98 ± 1 | |||||
| Water content (Packing moisture) | % | 2 ± 1 | 2 ± 2 | 2 ± 1 | |||
| SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio | % | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.5 | 30 ± 10 | 2 |
| Bulk density | g/l | 350 ± 100 | 350 ± 200 | 350 ± 100 | |||
| Static water adsorption (25 °C, RH=55 %, 24h) | % | 24 ± 3 | 30 ± 3 | – | 22 ± 3 | ||
| Average particle size d50 | µm | 4 ± 2 | 6 ± 4 | 5 ± 2 | |||
| Characteristics | Fine white powder with no visible impurities | ||||||
ASORBIO® ZAG – Zeolite Activated Granulate
| Type of Product | ZAG-3A | ZAG-4A | ZAG-5A | ZAG-13X | ZAG-MFI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zeolite (Anhydrous Solids Content, 1 h / 800 °C) | % | 80 ± 3 | ||||
| Binder | % | 18 ± 2 | 18 ± 2 | 18 ± 2 | 18 ± 2 | |
| Water | % | 2 ± 1 | 1.5 ± 1 | |||
| Bulk Density | g/l | 730 ± 70 | 730 ± 70 | 730 ± 70 | 680 ± 70 | 770 ± 50 |
| Static Water Adsorption (25 °C, RH=55 %) | % | 22 ± 3 | 22 ± 3 | 22 ± 3 | 27 ± 2 | max. 2.5 |
All of the above products are available in these granulations:
| Typical Particle Size | mm | 1.6 – 2.5 | 2.0 – 3.5 | 3.0 – 5.0 |
| Hardness | N | 20 ± 10 | 40 ± 20 | 60 ± 20 |
* Other granulations also possible