PRODUCTION OF FUSED SPHERICAL SILICA

PURPOSE:To improve fluidity, make steady supply possible and obtain high- purity fused spherical silica, by pulverizing dried silica gel containing a specific added organic compound, e.g. higher fatty acid, etc., and fusing the resultant pulverized silica gel. CONSTITUTION:An aqueous solution of an alkali silicate is reacted with an acid within an acidic region to produce granular silica gel, which is then dried. One or more organic compounds of higher fatty acids or derivatives thereof, higher alcohols, hydrocarbons, e.g. wax, etc., or organosilicon polymers are added thereto and the resultant blend is pulverized. The resultant pulverized silica gel having improved fluidity is carried to a fusing burner and subjected to fusing treatment.