Kinetic Sand

Silica sand makes up the larger part by weight of the kinetic sand mix; the remaining small share is the silicone based coating that surrounds the surface of the grains. This thin coating holds the grains together with a weak but continuous bond. As a result the material takes shape when squeezed, flows slowly when released and does not stick to surfaces when it breaks apart. For this behavior to be consistent, the grain shape and size distribution of the sand must be homogeneous; a granulometry spread over a wide range causes part of the mix to be over-coated and part of it to be under-coated.

The most critical parameter in production is moisture. The sand must be completely dried before the coating process; sand that carries moisture agglomerates, prevents the coating from being distributed evenly over the grains and causes the product to harden over time. The proportion of fines must likewise be kept under control: because of their very high surface area, very small particles consume a significant part of the coating material and spoil the feel in the hand. Kinetic sand producers therefore prefer washed, dried and screened sand.

Since kinetic sand is used in children's play and educational products, the cleanliness of the raw material is also important. Sand that is free of clay, organic matter and foreign particles and washed under controlled conditions is necessary for both hygiene and appearance. The natural white-beige color of the sand allows the pigment to give the correct tone in colored products; with dark sands of high iron content it becomes difficult to obtain light tones. As Seyman Maden we supply washed and dried silica sand in various fractions to manufacturers of toys, educational materials and hobby products.