A special filler with inimitable structure is maintaining a natural balance

The unique morphology of Neuburg Siliceous Earth is due to its composition as a natural combination of corpuscular, cryptocrystalline and amorphous silica and lamellar kaolinite. These two minerals together form a loose structure, which offers particular advantages in terms of processing and final product properties when used as a filler or special additive in elastomers, plastics, coatings and many other systems.

The main advantages are:

• Quick incorporation and dispersion

• No tendency towards formation of agglomerates

• Minimized sedimentation

• Easy and uniform dispersibility

The silica portion (of inherent fineness) has a naturally eroded surface, which explains a round particle shape. This characteristic is at the origin of further benefits of Neuburg Siliceous Earth, which include:

• High surface activity

• Favorable extrusion properties

• Very low compression set in rubber goods

• High scratch resistance in coatings and plastics

Known worldwide under the product trade names Sillitin, Sillikolloid and Aktisil, the composition varies within close limits. Neuburg Siliceous Earth is processed on the basis of two criteria: particle size and brightness. It is available in four different particle size distributions and a range of brightness (Sillitin color shades from white to yellow).

The Aktisil range has been developed for special applications. The Aktisil grades are produces by modifying the surface of Neuburg Siliceous Earth with chemicals - specifically with selected silanes. Several different grades have been developed in order to ensure optimum coupling between filler and polymer. Long years of in-house expertise and close cooperation with customers have led to the current range of products, which will continue to grow.

Roots level

HOFFMANN MINERAL GmbH, which supplies Siliceous Earth products, has a history going back over 100 years. Architect Franz Hoffmann formed the company in 1903, when it started extracting Neuburg Siliceous Earth. In 1919, Franz and Felix Hoffmann (sons of the founder) took over the company. The company grew and Neuburg Siliceous Earth became part of the polymer-processing industry. Just 20 years on, over 4000 tons were being produced annually. Underground mining was introduced by 1955, which lasted for a further 24 years.

The first site recultivation measures came in 1963, long before the introduction of government regulations. However, by 1979 underground excavation was discontinued as it was no longer economically viable.

A further five years on the founder's great-grandson took control and there was renewed investment in polymer technology. Fresh ideas and new solutions were found in the new Rubber and Plastic Laboratory, and new application know-how established for Neuburg Siliceous Earth.

Before long, further applications for Siliceous Earth products had been established. In 1988, a paint laboratory was set up, extending the company's ability to carry out R&D work in the field of coatings and reactive resins.

Since 1992, HOFFMANN MINERAL has been using electronic process control methods, ensuring that customers get more consistent products. The company was granted the ISO 9001 quality certificate in 1994 as result of these improvements.

Continued Growth

Development did not stop there, however. Security of employment is highly important at Hoffmann, not only in its own Neuburg plant but also among clients. A comprehensive range of services is offered, such as on-site consultation and dust monitoring. Great value is placed on dust-free packaging.

As well as providing packaging in plastic film to the client's formulation requirement, HOFFMANN MINERAL - together with Haver & Boecker - developed a valve-sealing system for paper bags in 1997, which practically eliminates the risk of accidental discharge of the material during transit.

Customer focus, innovation and tight quality control separates the company from the competition and ensures lasting profitability - a good reason for HOFFMANN MINERAL to embrace internet technology. Since July 1997 (and with a completely revised presentation in 2001 and 2008), products and application information, technical and safety data sheets, technical reports and suggested formulations are available from a newly designed website.

Environmental Awareness

In summer 2003, the company hosted a series of events to mark the centenary. -But even after 100 years, the company is not standing still. Recognizing that the mineral wealth will not last forever, the company was branching out into a new business in 2005 and established a new plant to offer third-party toll conversion of powder products.

Of the 55,000 tons per year of Siliceous Earth now produced at Neuburg, nearly 60 percent goes to the rubber industry. The rest is supplied to the construction industry, polishing and cleaning producers, followed by the coatings industry. Distribution is worldwide, with 38 agents in 33 countries representing the company.

Filler Specialists and much more...

HOFFMANN MINERAL markets a balanced and competitive range of Siliceous Earth products, with its range carefully based on customer requirement and commercial considerations. The company believes it can best serve its customers by constantly improving processing quality, at the same time offering extensive technical and consultancy service.

Neuburg Siliceous Earth quarries are constantly being prospected and extracted as fully as possible, at the same time ensuring that strict environmental standards are kept. After depletion, sites are returned to their original natural state. HOFFMANN MINERAL understands what responsibility for the environment means, and commercial practice is carefully tuned to available natural resources. For these efforts the company has been awarded with Environmental Prizes.

HOFFMANN MINERAL also places great importance on its daily personal relations, whether with company employees or with producers and suppliers. It sees its staff and commercial partners as its greatest potential. Building on this partnership is to everyone's advantage, and is an essential part of the Hoffmann mission. For more information, please visit: www.hoffmann-mineral.com

Contact details:

HOFFMANN MINERAL GmbH

Muenchener Str. 75

86633 Neuburg (Donau), Germany

Phone: +49 8431 53-0

Fax: +49 8431 53-330

info@hoffmann-mineral.com

www.hoffmann-mineral.com