While used for similar applications, fused silica and quartz glass have key differences. Consider this.
According to AZO Materials:
“This synthetic material, normally referred to as synthetic fused silica, has better optical properties and is somewhat more expensive than the other type.
“In the UK, terms such as quartz, silica, fused quartz and fused silica tend to be used interchangeably. In the USA, quartz refers to material melted from grains, silica refers to the synthetic material.
Advantages of Fused Silica/Quartz Glass
“The advantages of fused silica or quartz glass include:
- Incredibly thermally shock resistant (can be taken from red heat and plunged into water without cracking)
- Low coefficient of thermal expansion
- Optical transmission properties from ultra violet to infra red
- Good chemical resistance
- Excellent electrical insulator
Applications of Fused Silica/Quartz Glass
“Applications Applications of fused silica/quartz glass include:
- Windows
- Lenses
- Mirror substrates
- Crucibles, trays and boats
- UV transmitting optics (synthetic fused silica)
- IR transmitting optics
- Metrology components
Properties of Fused Silica/Quartz Glass
Table 1. Typical properties of fused silica/quartz glass.
| Property | |||
| General | Chemical Formula | ||
| Density | |||
| Mechanical | Design Tensile Strength | ||
| Design Compressive strength | |||
| Young’s Modulus | |||
| Thermal | Max. Use Temperature | ||
| Thermal Conductivity | |||
| Co-Efficient of Linear Expansion | |||
| Electrical | Volume Resistance | ||
| Dielectric Constant | |||
| Dielectric Strength |
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Figure 1. Transmission curve for 10mm thick fused silica/quartz glass (including surface reflection losses).
“Properties of fused silica/quartz glass shown are typical values, they are not absolute material properties, and should be used for guidance only. It is recommended that materials and components are tested for their suitability for a specific application.”
