Highsilica

Highsilica refers to materials and products that contain a high proportion of silicon dioxide (SiO2) in their composition. The term is used across several material classes, including glasses, ceramics, and porous solids such as zeolites, where silica content strongly influences structure and performance.

In glasses and ceramics, higher silica content generally raises the melting temperature and hardness, while reducing thermal expansion and chemical reactivity. This enhances chemical durability and stability at high temperatures. However, very high silica can increase the risk of devitrification (crystallization of the glass) during processing and can reduce workability or fluidity when shaping the material.

In optics, fused silica or high-purity SiO2 provides excellent transmission across a wide spectral range, from ultraviolet to infrared. It exhibits very low thermal expansion and strong resistance to thermal shock, making it a preferred material for lenses, optical fibers, crucibles, and labware in demanding environments.

In catalysis and porous materials, high-silica zeolites have high Si/Al ratios, which lowers acidity, improves hydrothermal stability, and increases hydrophobicity. These properties affect catalytic activity, selectivity, and durability in hydrocarbon processing and other reactions.

Production and sources involve starting from silica-rich feedstocks such as quartz or quartz sand, followed by purification and processing into the desired form—glasses, fused silica, or ceramic bodies. Safety considerations include the health hazards of inhaling crystalline silica dust, which requires appropriate controls in handling and processing. Related topics include silicon dioxide, silica glass, and zeolite materials.