Räniklaasiks

Räniklaasiks, also known as silica glass or fused quartz, is a form of glass composed primarily of silicon dioxide in an amorphous (non-crystalline) state. It is characterized by its high purity, excellent thermal stability, and resistance to chemical attack. Unlike common soda-lime glass, räniklaasiks contains very few impurities, which contributes to its unique optical and physical properties.

The manufacturing process for räniklaasiks typically involves melting high-purity quartz sand or synthetic silica at extremely high temperatures. Two main types exist: natural fused quartz, derived from quartz crystals, and synthetic fused silica, produced through chemical vapor deposition or other synthetic methods. The latter generally offers higher purity and better control over its properties.

Räniklaasiks exhibits a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning it can withstand rapid and extreme temperature changes without fracturing. This property makes it ideal for applications involving high temperatures, such as laboratory glassware, crucibles, and furnace tubes. Its transparency across a wide spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, including ultraviolet and infrared light, is another key characteristic, leading to its use in optical components like lenses, prisms, and windows for scientific instruments and lighting. Furthermore, its inertness to most acids and chemicals makes it suitable for chemical processing and storage.