Description
WCR’s High-grade silica possesses a high level of purity and quality. The test results from Nagrom Analytical Services Perth have identified that the product from the WCR operation is 99.751% silica. The silica contains a minimal number of impurities. We know that the level of purity is a crucial factor in determining the suitability of silica for various industrial applications. Here are some key characteristics and applications of high-grade silica:
- Purity: High-grade silica is characterized by its high purity, often with silica content well above 95% and sometimes even exceeding 99%, WCR’s product is 99.751%. The low presence of impurities makes it suitable for applications where purity is critical.
- Hardness: Quartz, the primary component of silica sand, is a hard mineral. This hardness contributes to the abrasive properties of silica sand, making it useful in applications such as sandblasting and water filtration.
- Chemical Inertness: Silica sand is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with most substances. This property makes it ideal for use in various chemical processes and applications.
- High Melting Point: Silica sand has a high melting point, which makes it useful in the manufacturing of glass, ceramics, and other refractory materials.
Common applications of silica sand include:
- Glass Manufacturing: High-grade silica is commonly used in the glass industry to produce clear and high-quality glass products. The purity of silica is essential to ensure the transparency and other desired properties of the glass.
- Electronics and Semiconductors: In the electronics industry, high-purity silica is used in the production of semiconductors, photovoltaic cells, and other electronic components. The low impurity levels are crucial to prevent contamination during the manufacturing process.
- Solar Panels: High-grade silica is utilized in the manufacturing of solar panels, where purity is essential for the efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity.
- Precision Casting: In industries like precision casting, high-grade silica is used to produce moulds for the casting of metals. The purity ensures a clean and precise casting process.
- High-Tech Applications: Silicon wafers to produce integrated circuits and other high-tech applications require high-purity silica. The semiconductor industry relies on such silica for its exceptional electronic properties.
- Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: High-grade silica is used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics as a component in various products, including pharmaceutical tablets, personal care products, and cosmetics.
- Construction: Silica sand is used in the production of concrete and mortar. It can also be used as a bedding material for paving.
- Industrial Abrasives: Due to its hardness, silica sand is used as an abrasive in processes like sandblasting, where it is used to clean or etch surfaces.
- Water Filtration: Silica sand is commonly used in water filtration systems to remove impurities and particles from water.
- Oil and Gas Industry: Silica sand is used in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to prop open fractures in the rock and allow oil and gas to flow more freely.
