Winter Handling
Protect Your Polishing Suspensions
As temperatures drop, colloidal silica (FACW-X / 5904S-X), colloidal alumina (5905S-X), alumina suspensions (560XS-X), and cerium oxide (59XX-X) must be kept above 5 °C (41 °F). Freezing causes irreversible changes that reduce the effectiveness of polishing. To prevent damage and minimize downtime, place orders early and store suspensions in a climate-controlled, heated environment.
Why Freezing Is Destructive
| Suspension | Typical Base | What Freezing Does | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colloidal Silica (SiO₂) | Aqueous, alkaline, stabilized by surface charge | Ice crystals destroy electrostatic stabilization, causing irreversible gelation, pH instability, and surface haze. | Not recoverable |
| Colloidal Alumina (Al₂O₃) | Water + glycol or dispersant | Flocculation and hard sediment formation increase viscosity, leading to partial phase separation. | Sometimes restorable by gentle agitation if only lightly chilled |
| CAlumina Suspension | Water/Diol blend | Partial crystallization; thickening; sedimentation after prolonged cold exposure. | Often recoverable with thorough low- shear remixing once thawed |
| Cerium Oxide (CeO₂) | Water/diol carrier | Ice concentrates salts/surfactants dense cream layer or hard cake. | Limited recovery if mild; avoid complete freeze |
Product-Specific Sensitivity
| Suspension | Sensitivity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Colloidal Silica (FACW-X /5904S-X) | Extreme. | Extremely sensitive to freezing; irreversible gelation occurs. |
| Colloidal Alumina (5905S-X) | Moderate. | Moderately sensitive; glycol-modified formula tolerates brief chilling. Remix gently. |
| Alumina Suspensions (560XS-X) | Moderate. | Moderately sensitive; may thicken when cold. Remix slowly at room temperature. |
| Cerium Oxide (59XX-X) | Moderate | Moderate frost tolerance; avoid temperatures below 8 °C. |
Product Codes: FACW-X / 5904S-X / 5905S-X / 59XX-X / 560XS-X
Quick Tips for Winter Handling
- Store suspensions in temperature-controlled environments (above 5 °C).
- Avoid outdoor storage or unheated loading docks.
- Place orders early to avoid weather-related delays.
To place an order or request support, visit www.anamet.com or contact your Anamet
Products representative directly.
Email: anamet@anamet.com Phone: +1 (450) 646-1290