Quartz undergoes several changes when heated, which can have significant effects on the production of silicon (Si). Here's a detailed explanation:
Summary: Heating quartz can lead to changes in its properties, including softening and potential recrystallization, which can affect the purity and functionality of quartz in various industrial applications, particularly in the production of silicon.
Detailed Explanation:
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Softening and Thermal Expansion: Quartz, particularly fused quartz, has a high softening point (around 1270 degrees Celsius) and a low thermal expansion coefficient. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures close to its softening point can cause the quartz to soften, potentially leading to deformation or changes in its shape and structure. This is critical in applications like the microwave tube furnace, where the quartz tube should not be used for more than 3 hours at 1200 degrees Celsius to prevent damage.
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Recrystallization and Formation of Silicon Carbide: During high-temperature processes, quartz can undergo recrystallization, forming fine grains of silicon carbide. This process is crucial in the formation of silicon carbide heating elements, where the number of connections formed between grains directly impacts the material’s electrical resistance. More connections lead to lower resistance, which is essential for the efficient functioning of heating elements.
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Purity and Chemical Stability: The high purity of quartz is vital in semiconductor manufacturing. Quartz used in this industry must have an extremely high SiO2 content (at least 99.9%) to prevent the introduction of harmful metals during the manufacturing process. Changes in quartz due to heating can potentially affect its purity, which could lead to contamination in the production of silicon.
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Thermal Shock Resistance and Corrosion: Quartz is known for its resistance to thermal shocks and corrosion. However, improper heating or rapid temperature changes can compromise these properties, potentially leading to cracks or other forms of degradation. This can affect the longevity and performance of quartz components in high-temperature environments, such as furnaces used in silicon production.
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Optical and Electrical Properties: Quartz is highly transparent and has excellent electrical insulation properties. Heating can alter these properties, potentially affecting the performance of quartz in applications where optical clarity or electrical insulation is crucial. For instance, in microwave tube furnaces, any degradation in the optical properties of quartz can impact the efficiency of the furnace.
Conclusion: The changes in quartz during heating are significant and can directly impact the production of silicon by affecting the purity, structural integrity, and functional properties of quartz. Proper control of heating processes and maintenance of quartz components are essential to ensure the optimal performance of quartz in silicon production and other high-temperature industrial applications.
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