White fused alumina and quartz sand are both white semi-transparent mineral products. It is difficult to see the difference in appearance with the same particle size and morphology. However, there are significant differences between the two in various aspects as follows:
》》Differences in composition:
The chemical composition of white fused alumina(white corundum) is mainly aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The chemical composition of quartz sand(silica sand) is silicon dioxide (SiO2).
》》The difference in the production process:
White fused alumina is an artificial abrasive made from aluminum oxide powder (Originally from bauxite ore). Then melt the Aluminum oxide powder at high temperature, and then crush it. Quartz sand is a natural sand obtained by washing and crushing natural quartz stones. Therefore, the cost of quartz sand is much lower than that of white alumina.
》》The difference in hardness:
White fused alumina has a very high hardness, belonging to the grinding grade. Its hardness is Mohs 9.0, which is harder than most other minerals. The hardness of quartz sand is 7.0, which is harder but much lower than that of white corundum. The difference in hardness between white corundum and quartz sand has a significant impact on grinding and sandblasting.
》》Difference in refractory temperature:
White fused alumina is a good refractory material with a melting point of 2250 ° C, which can be used in high-temperature environments of 1850 ° C. The melting point of quartz sand is 1750 ° C, and the operating temperature cannot exceed 1400 ° C.
》》The difference in thermodynamic performance:
The thermal expansion coefficient of white corundum is low, ranging from (3.34-6.63) x10-6/K; The thermal conductivity of white alumina is low, ranging from 0.02 to 0.1 W/M · K.
In the counterpart, the thermal expansion coefficient of quartz sand is high, ranging from 14 x10-6/K, and the thermal conductivity coefficient of quartz sand is high, ranging from 7.2 to 13.6/K.
》》The difference in specific gravity:
The specific gravity of white alumina is 3.95g/cm3, and the specific gravity of quartz sand is 2.66g/cm3. White corundum is much heavier than quartz sand, which can usually be used to determine whether the seller is using quartz sand to impersonate white corundum for sales.
》》Color difference:
White corundum gravel appears white, while under a microscope it appears as a white translucent crystal. The color of quartz sand is related to the grade of quartz ore. High-grade quartz sand is white, and the crystals are also semi-transparent or colorless transparent. Low-grade quartz sand with many impurities has colors such as light yellow and milky white.
》》Differences in application:
1. Grinding field. White fused alumina is used for sandblasting and surface passivation of medium-sized tanks and small accessories. Strong grinding force, high efficiency, suitable for materials such as metal, stainless steel, alloy, plastic, etc. Quartz sand has low grinding force and low sandblasting efficiency.
2. Quartz sand is a good filter material for water treatment. However, the cost of white fused alumina is high, and its economic benefits are low when used as filter material.
3. The field of casting. White fused alumina has a high refractory temperature. The excellent thermal advantage makes it suitable for precision casting shell-hanging sand. Quartz sand is more suitable for molding sand in the foundry.
4. Quartz sand is the raw material of glass products. White fused alumina is a common raw material of ceramic products.
In short, white-fused alumina sand and quartz sand are totally different. Users could choose proper goods for actual use.
