The following are the main trends in the technological development of food - grade silica in the future:
In terms of production processes
- Green and environmentally friendly: With the increasing environmental requirements, production processes will place greater emphasis on energy conservation, emission reduction, and resource recycling. For example, methods using non - toxic, harmless, and renewable resources as raw materials will be developed to reduce the environmental impact and minimize the discharge of wastewater, waste gas, and solid waste.
- Intelligent and automated: By leveraging advanced sensor and automated control technologies, parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate during the production process can be monitored in real - time and precisely controlled. This improves production efficiency, product quality stability, and reduces labor costs and operational risks.
In terms of product performance
- High - performance: Research and development will focus on food - grade silica products with higher specific surface area, more uniform particle size distribution, stronger adsorption capacity, and better dispersibility to meet the stringent quality and functional requirements of high - end foods.
- Multifunctional: There will be an effort to develop food - grade silica products that integrate multiple functions such as anti - caking, thickening, suspending, preservation, and nutrient - carrying. This provides food companies with more convenient and efficient solutions. Additionally, it can be combined with other food additives to develop special - function composite additives.
In terms of application expansion
- Emerging food sectors: With the development of new types of foods such as artificial meat, insect - based protein foods, and 3D - printed foods, dedicated food - grade silica products suitable for these emerging foods will be developed to meet their special needs in processing, storage, and preservation.
- Cross - sector application expansion: Strengthening technical exchanges and cooperation with sectors such as pharmaceuticals, health products, and cosmetics will expand the application of food - grade silica to other related fields, resulting in the development of cross - functional products.
In terms of safety and quality control
- Precise detection technologies: More accurate, rapid, and convenient detection methods and instruments will be developed to accurately detect harmful substances such as impurities, heavy metals, and microorganisms in food - grade silica, ensuring product quality and food safety.
- Improvement of quality standards: With the development of global food trade, international quality standards for food - grade silica will be further coordinated and unified. Enterprises will need to comply with more stringent and detailed quality standards and regulations, and strengthen the construction of quality management systems.