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5 Major Uses of Silica Sand

What is Silica Sand?

Usually composed of silica and oxygen, silica sand is a kind of silicon dioxide (SiO2).

Silica sand is mostly composed of silica and oxygen. It is also referred to as quartz sand, white sand, or industrial sand. In particular, silicon dioxide (SiO2) makes up silica sand. Quartz is the most prevalent type of SiO2, a rather hard, chemically inert mineral.

It also goes by the names White sand, Quartz sand, and Industrial sand. It is a variety of colours, most of which are white or colourless. The many minerals that make up the resource and the remnants of rock determine the colour of the sand.

It is produced by processing quartz resources, such as those found in beach dunes, into various grades and varieties of sand, which are subsequently sold to diverse businesses for a range of uses.

To be categorised as regular sand, silica sand must contain at least 95% silicon dioxide, which is equal to 0.6% iron oxide.

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What distinguishes silica sand from other sands?

Regular sand, also known as conventional construction sand and usually utilised for concrete applications, is referred to here as "other sands." Together with other minerals like iron, potassium, carbonate, and other trace elements, they also include some silica, although only around 80% of it.

In contrast to silica sand, the regularity and deeper colour of the sand are due to the presence of these minerals. The typical sand (non-silica sand), which comes in a range of colours including pink, black, and green, is dependent upon the sand deposit in distinct geological locations.

Applications for Silica Sand

Silica sand is appreciated for a number of beneficial qualities. It is a suitable option for applications involving exposure to high temperatures because to its low thermal expansion coefficient and high melting point.

 

These are a few instances of how silica sand is used in many industries.

Construction

It serves as the main ingredient in many different building and construction goods. For greater durability and structural integrity, whole grain silica is utilised in flooring, mortars, specialty cement, asphalt mixtures, roofing shingles, skid-resistant surfaces and other industrial goods. It serves as a useful extender to provide caulks, epoxy-based compounds, and sealants more weathering, durability, and anti-corrosion qualities.

Refractories and ceramics

It is a necessary ingredient for the glazing and body formulations of many kinds of ceramic items, including tableware, floor and wall tiles, sanitary ware, and others.

Paints and Coating

High-performance characteristics of silica sand include brightness, reflectivity, oil absorption, and colour consistency. These characteristics contribute to the overall durability and aesthetic appeal of architectural and industrial paints and coatings.

Because of its minimal oil absorption, it produces a durable coating with rich colours and improved finishing colour. In addition to offering resistance to mildew, fading, cracking, and grime, silica fillers enhance hue retention.

Casting and Production of Metal

For the deoxidation and grain refining processes used in the manufacturing of steel, ferrous and non-ferrous foundries, silica sand is a necessary component.

Metal components are poured into silica sand to get the required interior or exterior forms. It is a recommended option for castings made of titanium, steel, and cast iron. It is also used to clean the surfaces of the castings.

Calcium Silicate Bricks

A sand to lime ratio of 10 or 20 is used when mixing silica sand and high calcium lime to make calcium silicate bricks. These bricks have a wide range of strengths, smooth faces, sharp edges, and good regularity.

Calcium silicate bricks are not resistant to conditions containing sulphur and have a durability comparable to concrete. Find out more about Brick Types Used in Construction.

 

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