Winter Handling At a Glance
Winter Reminder – 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
Alumina 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
Extreme
Extremely sensitive to freezing; irreversible gelation occurs.
Moderate
Moderately sensitive; glycol-modified formula tolerates brief chilling. Remix gently.
Moderate
Moderately sensitive; may thicken when cold. Remix slowly at room temperature.
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