In modern industrial production, refractories play an indispensable role, especially in high temperature environment, they can withstand extreme temperature and chemical erosion, and ensure the smooth progress of the production process. As an important refractory, zircon sand has been widely used in many fields because of its unique physical and chemical characteristics. This paper will introduce the performance, application and market prospect of zircon sand in detail in order to provide valuable reference for practitioners in related industries.

I. Performance characteristics of zircon sand

(1) Chemical composition

Zircon sand is mainly composed of zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) and silicon dioxide (SiO₂), and usually contains a small amount of alumina (Al₂O₃), iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂). According to different product specifications, its chemical composition will be different. For example, ZYC-66 zircon sand contains ZrO₂+HfO₂ ≥66%, SiO₂ ≤32%, Fe₂O₃ ≤0.06%, TiO₂ ≤0.08% and Al₂O₃ ≤0.8%. This high-purity chemical composition makes zircon sand show excellent fire resistance and can effectively resist chemical erosion at high temperature.

(2) Physical characteristics

Particle size distribution: The particle size range of zircon sand is generally 80-120 mesh, which enables it to provide good filling and uniformity in casting and coating applications. Fine particles can fill the fine parts of the mold to ensure the surface quality and dimensional accuracy of the casting.

Density and hardness: the density of zircon sand is 4.68-4.71 g/cm, and the Mohs hardness is 7.8. High density and high hardness enable it to maintain a stable physical structure at high temperature, and it is not easy to be worn or deformed, thus prolonging its service life.

Melting point and thermal stability: The melting point of zircon sand is as high as 2550 C (4000 F), and it will not change chemically or physically below 1700 C (3090 F). This excellent thermal stability enables it to maintain its performance under extreme high temperature conditions and is suitable for various high temperature processes.

Optical characteristics: the refractive index of zircon sand is 1.93-2.01, which makes it potentially valuable in some optical applications, such as making optical glass or special coatings, and adjusting the optical properties by using its refractive index.

(3) Quality control

Quality control is very important in the production of zircon sand. Manufacturers usually establish a perfect quality management system to strictly test the particle size distribution, chemical composition, physical properties, mineral composition and pH value of products. Only products that meet the standards can leave the factory to ensure that users can obtain stable and reliable performance during use.

II. Application fields of zircon sand

(1) Foundry industry

Precision casting: zircon sand is one of the commonly used refractories in precision casting. Its high purity and fine particle size can ensure the surface quality of casting mold and reduce the surface defects of castings. When manufacturing high-end parts such as aerospace and automobiles, the use of zircon sand can significantly improve the precision and quality of castings.

Casting coating: coating a layer of zircon sand on the surface of the casting can improve the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the casting. This coating can protect the surface of castings at high temperature, prevent metal oxidation and corrosion, and prolong the service life of castings.

(2) Special refractory industry

Refractory castable: As an important part of refractory castable, zircon sand can improve the refractory temperature and corrosion resistance of castable. In the application of high temperature furnace lining and ladle lining, the refractory castable using zircon sand can withstand extreme temperature and chemical erosion, ensuring the stable operation of the equipment.

Ceramic fiber reinforced material: zircon sand can be compounded with ceramic fiber to make high-performance ceramic fiber reinforced material. This material has excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability in high temperature environment, and can be used to manufacture high-temperature thermal insulation materials and high-temperature structural parts.

(3) Ceramic industry

Ceramic glaze: zircon sand can be used as an additive to improve the gloss and wear resistance of ceramic glaze. Its high refractive index can make the ceramic surface show brighter luster and enhance the scratch resistance of ceramics.

Ceramic matrix material: zircon sand can be used as a part of matrix material and compounded with other ceramic raw materials when manufacturing high-performance ceramics. Its high purity and hardness can improve the overall performance of ceramics and make it have a wider application prospect in the fields of electronics, machinery and so on.

III. Market prospect of zircon sand

(1) Market demand growth

With the acceleration of global industrialization, the demand for refractories is increasing. Especially in aerospace, automobile manufacturing, electronics and other high-end manufacturing fields, the demand for high-performance refractories is more urgent. With its excellent performance, the application of zircon sand in these fields will continue to expand, and the market demand is expected to continue to grow.

(2) Technological innovation.

In the future, the production technology of zircon sand will be continuously innovated to meet higher performance requirements. For example, by improving the production process, the purity and particle size uniformity of zircon sand can be further improved; Develop new composite materials, and combine zircon sand with other high-performance materials to expand its application scope. In addition, the development of environmental protection production technology will also become the future development direction to reduce environmental pollution in the production process.

(3) Market competition pattern

At present, the global zircon sand market is dominated by a few large enterprises, which have obvious advantages in technology research and development, product quality and market share. However, with the rise of emerging economies and the growth of market demand, some small and medium-sized enterprises are gradually emerging. In the future, the market competition will be more intense, and enterprises need to constantly improve their technical level and product quality in order to occupy a place in the market.

IV. Conclusion

As an important refractory, zircon sand has been widely used in foundry, refractory and ceramics industries with its high purity, high hardness, high melting point and excellent thermal stability. With the continuous progress of technology and the growth of market demand, zircon sand has a broad market prospect. However, enterprises also need to constantly improve their own strength in quality control, technological innovation and market competition to meet future challenges.