5 Key Benefits of Fused Silica & Quartz

Fused silica and quartz are frequently utilized materials in the fabrication of glass. Each of these substances possesses distinct properties that render them suitable for the creation of various glass components. This blog post presents a comprehensive overview of both materials, encompassing their composition, notable advantages, and common applications.

Benefits of Fused Silica Glass

Fused silica is a synthetic, non-crystalline material made from silicon gas or silica sand. Being synthetically processed, it stands out as the purest form of glass available, possessing unparalleled structural and physical purity. Its cross-linked three-dimensional structure imparts outstanding thermal resistance and nearly zero thermal expansion.

Fused silica glass material offers several noteworthy advantages, including:

1. High chemical purity and resistance

2. Elevated softening point and robust thermal resistance

3. Low thermal expansion and strong thermal shock resistance

4. Exceptional transparency across the ultraviolet to infrared spectral range

5. High resistance to radiation

Benefits of Quartz Glass

Quartz is a naturally-occurring crystalline mineral made up of oxygen and silicon. Among the most plentiful minerals on Earth, it is present in various rock types within the Earth's crust. When processed into glass, quartz is employed in a range of applications, particularly in scientific research and various high-tech operations.

The advantages of utilizing this glass material encompass:

1. Favorable transmission properties in the ultraviolet range

2. Endurance to high temperatures in the visible and infrared spectrum

3. Low coefficient of thermal expansion and robust thermal shock resistance

4. Outstanding electrical insulation and elevated chemical purity

5. Capability for prolonged operation at 1100°C or short-term operation at 1300°C

Applications of Fused Silica and Quartz Glass

Both fused silica and quartz glass are ideal for use in many different industrial applications, including the following:

• Chemical and pharmaceutical processes. Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing operations experience a wide range of conditions, including exposure to high temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and water. Parts and components made from fused silica and quartz are ideal for use in these environments as they are chemically pure, chemical resistant, non-hygroscopic, and thermal shock resistant.

  
  

• Electronics and electro-technology. Electronics and electronic technology rely on both conductive and insulating components. For the latter, fused silica and quartz are ideal as a construction material as they offer low conductivity, high penetration field strength, and low electric loss factor.

  
  

• High-temperature operations. The thermal properties of both materials allow them to withstand high processing temperatures without risk of damage or degradation.

  
  

• Light and laser technology. Many light-based systems (e.g., lasers) rely on glass optical components—such as ones made from fused silica and quartz—to focus or separate light to perform their operations.

  
  

• Optical system components. Fused silica optical glass and quartz are used in the manufacture of many optical parts—such as lenses, mirrors, UV and IR transmitting optics, and metrology components—due to their ability to transmit light in the visible, ultraviolet, and infrared range.  

  
  

• Semiconductors. The purity of the two materials is particularly essential for components such as semiconductors, which play a role in many systems used in critical applications.

  
  

• UV light sanitation. UV light sanitation serves as a non-toxic alternative to disinfection. As both fused silica and quartz demonstrate high thermal and radiation resistance, they are suitable for use in equipment subjected to such operations, such as semiconductor components and medical and laboratory instruments.   

Fused Silica and Quartz Glass From CLZ

At CLZ, we stock a wide range of fused silica and quartz glasses, each of which offers unique advantages. For example, our fused silica demonstrates a cross-linked, three-dimensional structure that results in high thermal shock resistance, UV and IR transparency, and near-zero thermal expansion. Some of our other product offerings include:

- Industrial- and commercial-grade fused silica and quartz for sight glasses

- UV-fused silica for applications requiring low content of inclusion and/or high refractive index homogeneity

For additional information about fused silica and quartz or our products and services, contact us or request a quote today.