Variability in the Distinctive Features of Silica Sands in Central Europe

Abstract

Quality quartz sand is globally utilized in construction due to its availability and economic factors, especially in the production of composite cements. Despite its positive properties, quartz sand also has several disadvantages. The dilation of quartz sand can be technologically significant for certain high-temperature applications. This dilation has a non-continuous character with sharp volume change caused by the phase transformation from β to α SiO2 at temperatures around 573 °C. The extent of dilation depends on various factors such as compaction, grain size, the quantity of sand, as well as the shape and character of the grain and chemical purity, particularly the SiO2 content. In this study, six types of quartz sand from different locations in Central Europe were examined, and the influence of chemical composition and grain shape was correlated with the final dilation of these samples. Evaluation methods included X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRFS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and linear thermal expansion analysis. It was found that angular grains, despite their chemical purity, may exhibit minimal dilation. Conversely, the least suitable combination in terms of dilation appears to be a high SiO2 content and high roundness of grains with a smooth surface.