Properties and Different Types of Applications of Quartz Glass
Quartz Glass
Before getting into applications of Quartz glass, let’s
understand what it is? Quartz Glass is made out of an abundantly dispersed
mineral called Quartz. It is a common polymorph (two minerals with same
chemical compositions but different formations) of silica. Quartz is used to
make quartz glass (also known as fused quartz), a glass type that is known for
its extreme purity. It is inactive with many chemical elements barring alkali
compounds, hydrofluoric acid, and hot phosphoric acid. Other than its purity
and it’s inertness with almost every chemical compounds, it has other
significant qualities as well, such as –
➢ High temperature resistance – Melting point of quartz glass is
slightly above 1700 ℃ so it can easily endure temperature
as high as around 1100 ℃
➢ Acid corrosion resistance – It does not react with acids other than hydrofluoric
acid and hot phosphoric acid which makes it a better option than other
materials like stainless steel and ceramic
➢ Remarkable thermal stability – Sudden changes in temperature won’t damage the material. If the quartz
glass is heated at a high temperature, it will not break if put in room
temperature water
➢ Good light transmission performance – more than 90% of the visible light
spectrum from ultraviolet to infrared can pass through quartz glass showing a
higher light transmission performance
➢ Excellent electrical insulation – Quartz glass is about 10,000 times
more resistant to electricity than regular glass which makes it a great
electrical insulator.
Aforementioned properties make quartz glass an ideal product
material for optical devices, lighting systems, refractory systems, furnaces
and high temperature equipments. These quartz glass products have a wide range
of applications in laboratories for scientific projects, experiments, and
research works.
What are applications of Quartz Glass?
Laboratories
use chemicals that are reactive, flammable, volatile and require extreme
temperatures. Therefore, the equipment and apparatus need to be made of
materials that can bear drastic conditions without damaging the integrity of
the chemical compounds to get as accurate a result as can be procured. Quartz
glass’ physical and chemical attributes makes it one of the most suitable
assets for laboratory devices. Quartz glass is used for optical based products
such as microscopes, telescopes, lasers, electronic sensors and several other
scientific instruments. Majority of laboratory work requires practical testing
of elements, for example ashing chemical samples, or which utilises crucibles
and tubes made up of quartz glass.
Quartz crucibles are bowl shaped vessels, usually with a lid,
that stores and heat substances. The properties of quartz glass make crucibles
ideal instruments in laboratories like, ashing chemical samples. Quartz tubes are hollow
cylindrical devices and are used in level gauges, x-ray tubes, vacuum tubes,
transfer carriers, thermocouple tubes, transfer carriers, CVD, and diffusion
procedures. Quartz crucibles and tubes are apt for laboratory devices because
➢ They can survive temperatures as high as 1100 ℃. Other features that make quartz crucibles beneficial for laboratory experiments include being inert to many chemical substances, great insulators of electricity, low thermal expansion rate, good light transmission performance, and consistent quality.
➢ Quartz crucibles are available with or without lids and are
available in a series of shapes and sizes like cylindrical, tray, high form,
wide form, bitumen, rose, gooch, and porous bottom. Quartz tubes are available
in various sizes as well that are customised as per the needs of the user.
Quartz glass can be purchased from anywhere, due to the abundant
availability of the mineral. Yet before obtaining quartz glass products one
must do a thorough research on the seller and quality of their products. It
will ensure a productive and problem-free application of quartz glass for the
intended job.
For any more information, please feel free to contact us at info@mkube.com.au. M-KUBE TECHNICAL
SUPPORT WILL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST, AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
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