silicafibre

Silica fibre, also known as quartz fibre or fused silica fibre, is a type of glass fibre primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2). It is known for its exceptional properties, including high temperature resistance, low thermal expansion, and excellent optical transparency. These fibres are typically produced by melting highly pure quartz or silica sand and then drawing the molten material into fine filaments.

The manufacturing process is critical in determining the final characteristics of silica fibre. Purity of the raw material is paramount, as impurities can significantly affect its performance, particularly in optical applications. The drawing process involves controlled heating and stretching of the molten silica to achieve desired diameters and lengths.

Silica fibres find applications in a variety of fields due to their unique combination of thermal and optical properties. In high-temperature environments, they are used as thermal insulation and in refractory materials. Their transparency in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions of the spectrum makes them suitable for optical fibres used in spectroscopy, telecommunications, and sensing. They are also employed in specialized lighting and in some semiconductor manufacturing processes. The inertness of silica fibre also contributes to its use in chemical processing and laboratory equipment.