Refractory
What Is Fused Quartz?
What Is Fused Quartz?
Fused quartz is a glassy mineral that contains silicon dioxide. It is a glass with a refractive index that is lower than crystalline quartz. Although fused quartz has a low refractive index, it has many advantages and is widely used in optical applications. For instance, it is a good substrate for high-precision microwave circuits, which is essential in the fiber optics industry. Moreover, it has outstanding mechanical and chemical resistance.
Fused quartz can be manufactured from natural quartz or a synthetic precursor. However, it is important to note that the purity of these materials can vary greatly. Therefore, the performance of fused quartz products is largely dependent on their purity level. In general, it is ideal to use a material that contains no more than 50 ppm of total elemental impurities by weight.
The atomic structure of quartz is composed of four oxygen atoms bonded to the central silicon atom. The Si-O bond is polar, which means the crystal structure is tetrahedral. Quartz also contains water, which is formed in the manufacturing process as hydroxyl groups. These hydroxyl groups can affect the transmission of infrared radiation. Thus, high OH content in the material does not make it suitable for high-temperature applications.
The chemical composition of fused quartz is relatively pure, making it highly resistant to acids, bases, and moisture. This enables it to be rapidly heated and cooled without risk of breakage. Furthermore, it can be metallised to increase its strength. Because of its elasticity and abrasive resistance, it is often used in a variety of applications. Some of its other properties include high thermal shock resistance and high dielectric strength.
Since it is transparent, fused quartz is useful in the optical and lighting industries. It can be used for a variety of applications including glass harmonicas and resonators. Several different grades of transparent fused quartz are available, ranging in thickness from 3 mm to 5 mm.
Fused quartz is a valuable raw material in the electronics and lighting industries. Among other uses, it is used as a starting material for optical fiber. Fused quartz is very resistant to chemicals, which makes it an essential raw material for the fiber optics industry.
Fused quartz has excellent optical properties, including good optical transmission, low refractive index, and low thermal expansion. As a result, it is highly demanded by the fiber optics industry. A number of applications also depend on its low electrical conductivity, making it an essential ingredient for narrowband filters and high-Q resonators.
Fused quartz is highly durable and is able to withstand temperatures of up to 1300 deg C. The glass is also very resistant to acids and alkali compounds. Moreover, it is impermeable to gases.
While there are many different varieties of glasses on the market, the unique mechanical and physical properties of fused quartz provide it with a distinct advantage. Compared to other commercial glasses, it has a tensile strength that is higher than most. Also, it is highly chemically resistant, allowing it to be easily welded and polished.
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