Why is silica used to make bricks?

Silica is a common raw material used to make refractory bricks because of its high melting point, excellent thermal shock resistance, and chemical stability at high temperatures. Refractory bricks made from silica are known as silica bricks.

When exposed to high temperatures, silica undergoes little or no deformation, making it an ideal material for use in applications where high-temperature stability is required. Silica bricks can withstand temperatures up to 1700°C (3092°F) in oxidizing atmospheres and up to 1550°C (2822°F) in reducing atmospheres.

In addition to their excellent heat resistance, silica bricks also exhibit good chemical stability and resistance to corrosion and erosion by acidic and basic slags. This makes them suitable for use in furnaces and kilns that are involved in the production of non-ferrous metals, glasses, and ceramics.

To manufacture silica bricks, high-purity silica sand is mixed with clay and other additives, such as alumina, to improve its strength and workability. The mixture is then molded into the desired shape and fired at high temperatures to sinter the materials together.

Overall, the properties of silica make it an ideal material for the manufacturing of refractory bricks, especially in industries that require high-temperature stability and resistance to chemical attack.