Extreme Performance of Quartz Glass: Stability Test at 1600°C

Extreme Performance of Quartz Glass: Stability Test at 1600°C

Quartz glass, also known as fused silica, is renowned for its exceptional thermal and chemical stability. In advanced industrial and scientific environments—such as semiconductor processing, metallurgy, and high-temperature reactors—its performance at elevated temperatures becomes mission-critical. Recent laboratory tests confirm that quartz glass maintains structural and optical stability even at temperatures reaching 1600°C.

1. Why Quartz Glass Excels at High Temperatures

Quartz glass has a unique atomic structure: it is made of nearly pure silicon dioxide (SiO₂) with no crystalline form, which gives it an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion (~5.5×10⁻⁷/K). This allows it to resist cracking or warping even during rapid thermal cycling.

In controlled experiments, quartz glass samples were exposed to 1600°C in a high-temperature furnace for extended periods. The results showed:

• No significant deformation or structural failure

• Minimal optical distortion

• Preserved dimensional integrity

2. Comparison with Other Glass Materials

Ordinary glass or even borosilicate glass begins to soften around 600–800°C. Quartz glass, on the other hand, has a softening point near 1730°C, making it one of the few transparent materials suitable for such extreme conditions. Its melting point is approximately 2000°C.

3. Key Applications

Thanks to this high-temperature resilience, quartz glass is commonly used in:

• Semiconductor wafer processing

• UV and IR optical systems

• Laboratory crucibles and reactors

• Aerospace and fusion research

Conclusion

Quartz glass stands as a true thermal performance leader, maintaining strength, clarity, and shape under 1600°C. This makes it indispensable for high-temperature precision technologies where failure is not an option.