What is cab-o-sil primarily made of?

Cab-o-sil is primarily made of fumed silica, which is a form of silicon dioxide that consists of extremely fine particles. Fumed silica is produced by the vaporization of silicon and its subsequent condensation, resulting in a very lightweight and highly porous powder.

It is commonly used in composite materials due to its ability to improve the viscosity and stability of resins, enhance the mechanical properties of the final product, and act as a reinforcing agent. Its high surface area provides excellent thickening and rheology control, making it invaluable in various applications, including coatings, adhesives, and sealants. This property of cab-o-sil allows for improved performance characteristics in composite formulations, contributing to the strength and durability of the final product.

The other materials listed, such as glass beads, alumina, and talc, serve different functions and are used in various composite applications, but they do not possess the same properties or composition as fumed silica, making it specific to cab-o-sil.