Quartz: excellent chemical resistance, weatherproof

Quartz (SiO2) is one of the most important rock-forming minerals. It is to be found in magmatic, metamorphous as well as sedimentary rocks and deposits. Basically Si02 appears in nature as trigonal quartz.

For industrial use, mighty, workable silica sand deposits are of decisive importance. Nevertheless, chemical purity and constancy are not enough in order to apply quartz directly as a raw material. In Quarzwerke plants silica sands are thoroughly prepared. The raw material has to pass extensive cleaning-, classification-, drying- and iron-free grinding processes in order to produce silica sands, flours and powders.

For the production of silica flours and -powders with a defined grain size distribution separation processes are required in addition to iron-free grinding. Quarzwerke are able to produce silica powders with grain sizes down to 1 µm due to a fine-tuned combination of grind- and classification technology.

Another refining step is the surface-treatment with silanes or silan-based substances which can be adjusted to the respective application.

Features

• hardness 7 (Mohs)

• density 2.65 g/cm³

• high chemical resistance

• low thermal expansion: 14*10^-6*K^-1 (at T 20-300°C)

• relative good thermal conductivity: 9 W/m*K

• good electrical properties (low tan delta)

Key applications

• glass

• foundry

• ceramics/fire resistance

• outdoor electrical insulating material

• material for high voltage insulating

• cast resins

• calcium-silicate-hydrate

• construction and construction chemicals

• anticorrosive coatings/external plasters/paints

• engineered stone

• silicone