Quartz glass, also known as fused quartz, stands out as a top choice for various industrial applications. Its unique properties make it more effective than ordinary glass, particularly in high-temperature environments. If you’re considering materials for your next project, let’s explore why quartz glass could be the perfect fit for your needs.
Quartz glass, or fused quartz, is highly valued for its excellent thermal stability, optical transparency, and chemical inertness. With over 99% SiO2 content, it can withstand temperatures up to 1400°C while maintaining its integrity, making it ideal for applications that demand resilience against extreme conditions.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive deeper into what makes quartz glass unique compared to regular glass.
What is Quartz Glass?
Quartz glass is a type of special industrial glass made from pure natural quartz, such as crystal and quartz sand. Its primary component is silicon dioxide (SiO2), with a minimum of 95% fused silica. This high silica content gives quartz glass a range of superior physical and chemical properties. For example, WT GLASS’s quartz glass boasts an impressive 99% SiO2 purity, setting it apart in quality.
The Difference from Ordinary Glass Materials
The main distinction between quartz glass and ordinary glass lies in their silica content and structure. Ordinary glass typically contains about 80% silica, while quartz glass has over 90%. Additionally, quartz glass features a symmetrical molecular structure, making it amorphous and giving it unique thermal and optical properties.
Properties of Quartz Glass
Thermal Stability
Quartz glass has a remarkably low coefficient of thermal expansion, about 1/10 to 1/20 that of regular glass. This means it can endure high temperatures—typically between 1100°C and 1200°C—with short-term resistance up to 1400°C, making it ideal for applications that experience thermal shock.
Optical Transparency
One of the standout features of quartz glass is its high transmission of ultraviolet (UV) up to the IR range, extending from 200 nm to over 4000 nm. This makes it perfect for applications requiring UV transparency, such as photolithography and various optical instruments.
Chemical Inertness
Quartz glass exhibits excellent chemical stability, resisting most acids except hydrofluoric acid and hot phosphoric acid. This makes it a reliable choice for laboratory and industrial environments where chemical exposure is a concern.
Mechanical Strength
With a hardness rating of up to seven on the Mohs scale, quartz glass is incredibly durable. Its high mechanical strength ensures longevity and reliability in demanding applications.
High Dielectric Strength
Quartz glass serves as an excellent electrical insulator, making it suitable for electronic and electrical applications where high dielectric strength is essential.
Purity
The manufacturing process of quartz glass—using materials like crystal and silica—ensures high purity. Techniques such as electric melting and chemical vapor deposition contribute to the quality of the final product.
Quartz Glass Applications
Quartz glass is used in various applications, particularly in environments where operating temperatures exceed 1000°C and thermal shocks are greater than 280°C. Common uses include sight glasses, high-temperature reactors, and laboratory equipment.
Quartz Glass Product Categories
There are several types of quartz glass products available, including:
- Quartz Glass Sheets: Ideal for applications requiring flat surfaces.
- Quartz Glass Tubes: Used in various industrial processes.
- Quartz Glassware: Perfect for laboratory settings.
How to Clean and Disposal of Quartz Glass?
To maintain the integrity of quartz glass products, avoid handling them with bare hands, as perspiration can damage the surface and lead to recrystallization (haze). It’s advisable to clean quartz glass using non-alkaline agents. For light grease, alcohol-soaked cloths can effectively remove contaminants; however, avoid using spirit, as it contains denaturing substances that leave residues. Always handle quartz glass while wearing gloves to prevent any potential damage.
When it comes to disposal, quartz glass is considered ecologically harmless and can be safely disposed of in landfill as commercial waste.
So Why Quartz Glass?
In summary, quartz glass offers unparalleled performance for industrial applications, thanks to its unique properties. Whether you need thermal resistance or optical clarity, it’s a material worth considering for your next purchase.
WT GLASS provide custom dimensions for quartz glass products, with a minimum diameter of 10mm and a maximum of 350mm. The thickness can be tailored from a minimum of 3mm to a maximum of 25mm.
Feel free to contact us for expert recommendations on the most suitable sight glass for your specific application.
