Silica sand is one of the natural materials that has many advantages for various industries, including the construction field. This sand is famous for its strength, durability, and stable chemical properties due to containing quartz minerals and high silica (SiO₂) content.
In the construction field, silica sand is used in concrete mixture, glass production, and heat-resistant coating. Let’s learn more about silica sand, its types, and its functions here!
What Is Silica Sand?
Silica sand is a type of sand made of silicon dioxide (SiO2), which is famous for its purity and hardness. It can be used in various sectors, but it is commonly utilized as a material for construction.
Silica sand is a natural material that can be found easily in many parts of the world, especially in natural sediment areas such as coastal areas, river beds, lakes, and deserts. You can get this sand by special digging and mining intended to produce silica sand.
This type of sand is also called quartz sand or industry sand. Generally, it contains components like small cuts of coal, clay, quartz, and other minerals.
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Types of Silica Sands
Quartz sand is divided into several types as follows:
1. Natural Silica Sand
Silica sand is a type of sand that can be naturally found in the surrounding areas, such as rivers, beaches, and deserts. It has various shapes depending on the source.
The quality of quartz sand also depends on the geological process during shaping. It is usually used in the construction industry, concrete making, and glass production.
2. Quartz Silica Sand
Quartz silica sand is made of quartz crystal and has higher purity than natural silica sand. It is utilized in high-quality glass making, electronic production, or chemical production. Moreover, this sand is widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry for its purity.
3. Processes Silica Sand
This kind of silica sand has been processed to increase its quality and purity. The processes include cleaning, filtering, and chemical purifying.
Processed silica sand is commonly used in the optical fiber manufacturing, the semiconductor manufacturing industry, and other industries that require high purity.
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Functions of Silica Sand
In general, silica sand in the construction industry is utilized for these functions:
1. Main Structure Component
The first function of quartz sand is to become the main structure in many building materials and constructions. It is utilized in the mixture to create flooring, mortar, and plaster. In these applications, quartz sand acts as a filler that strengthens the structure of concrete or mortar.
2. Special Cement
Silica sand is used in producing special cement, especially for construction projects needing more strength and durability in certain environments. As an additional material, silica sand works to increase the durability and performance of the cement.
3. Anti-Slip Surface
The next function of silica sand is to give an anti-slip effect to the flooring or road. This application is important, especially in areas that need more safety to prevent slips, such as roads, sideways, or dangerous areas in a building.
4. Asphalt Mixture
In road construction, quartz sand is commonly mixed with asphalt to increase the strength, stability, and durability of the surface against corrosion.
5. Anti-Corrosion
Silica sand works as a functional extender to increase durability and anti-corrosion properties on many building materials. With this function, quartz sand helps extend the usage period of the construction and lowers the maintenance cost in the long term.
6. Plaster and Roof Shingles
To make plastering and roof shingles, quartz sand is used to produce a soft texture and increase the surface durability. It helps create a strong, long-lasting, and fixable layer.
7. Color and Texture Setting
Aside from strengthening the structure, quartz sand is used to set the color and texture of a surface. This application enables designers and architects to produce an attractive appearance following the building's requirements.
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Advantages of Silica Sand for Other Industries
Other than the construction and building industries, you can also use quartz sand for other industries. Below is the explanation:
1. Glass and Ceramic Making
Silica sand is the main material for glass and ceramic making. In glass production, silica sand ensures that the glass is clear, strong, and heat-resistant. On the other hand, in ceramic making, the silicon dioxide content makes the ceramic crack and peel-resistant.
2. Sport and Recreation
Quartz sand is utilized in sports and recreational areas. For the golf field, silica sand creates a soft and consistent putting surface. For the beach volleyball field, quartz sand makes the surface more comfortable.
Meanwhile, in sandboxes and landscapes, silica sand makes the surface safe and fun for children and adults.
3. Water Filtration and Purification
Quartz sand used as a filtration layer is effective in filtering wastewater and drinking water. The chemically inert properties of the sand enable it to neutralize acids and balance the pH without reacting with acids, contaminants, and solvents.
With a clear and greyish color, no odor, and no taste properties, as well as a high silicon dioxide content, quartz sand can be an efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly filtration medium.
4. Paint and Coating
Silica sand is used to elevate the appearance and the durability of the paint and coating for architecture and industry. High-purification silica contributes to clearness, color consistency, and oil absorption.
Moreover, this sand helps increase color retention, dirt, fungus, and crack resistance, and weathering.
That’s the information about the use of silica sand in the construction industry. With a stable property and great adhesive power, quartz sand becomes the main component in many applications, including concrete mix, mortar, and plastering.
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