Since the appearance of white fused alumina and quartz are similar, some suppliers of white fused alumina mixed quartz sand in the sand. That is very harmful to the quality and caused to poor grinding performance. To identify white fused alumina (WFA) and quartz sand, users can consider the following characteristics:
1. Appearance: WFA typically has a bright white color, while quartz sand is usually transparent or has a slightly milky appearance. WFA particles are angular and have a more uniform shape, while quartz sand particles are often rounded and have a varied size distribution.
2. Hardness: WFA is much harder than quartz sand. You can use a hardness test, such as scratching the surface with a known material like a steel file or a Mohs hardness test kit, to determine the hardness of the sample. WFA has a Mohs hardness of 9, while quartz sand typically has a hardness of around 7.
3. Density: WFA has a higher density compared to quartz sand. You can weigh a known volume of the sample and compare the results. WFA has a density of about 3.9 g/cm³, while quartz sand has a density of around 2.65 g/cm³.
4. Chemical composition: WFA is primarily composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), while quartz sand is mainly composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Chemical analysis techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) or energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), can be used to determine the composition of the sample.
5. Refractive index: WFA has a higher refractive index compared to quartz sand. You can use a refractometer to measure the refractive index and then compare it with known values.
These characteristics can help distinguish between white fused alumina and quartz sand. If you are unsure about the identification, it is recommended to consult with a materials expert or perform further analysis using specialized techniques.