Zircon sand, as an important industrial mineral material, plays a key role in many fields because of its unique physical and chemical properties. This paper will introduce the characteristics, application, quality control and market situation of zircon sand in detail:

I. Characteristics of zircon sand

The main component of zircon sand is zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄), which has high purity, high melting point, high hardness and good thermal stability. Its particle size is usually between 80-120 mesh, while the zircon powder after fine processing can reach 325 mesh. The specific gravity of this material is 4.68-4.71, the bulk density is 170-180 pounds per cubic foot (about 2,700 kilograms per cubic meter), the Mohs hardness is 7.8, the melting point is as high as 2,550℃ (4,000 F), and the refractive index is 1.93-2.10. These characteristics make zircon sand perform well in high temperature environment and are not easy to undergo physical or chemical changes.

II. Application of zircon sand

(1) Precision casting

Zirconium sand plays an irreplaceable role in precision casting industry. Because of its high purity and high melting point, it can withstand the impact of high-temperature molten metal while maintaining good dimensional stability and surface smoothness. In precision casting, zircon sand is often used to make molds and cores, which can ensure the accuracy and quality of castings. For example, in aerospace, automobile manufacturing and other fields, zircon sand is needed as casting material for many high-precision and high-strength parts.

(2) Special refractory materials

The high melting point and good thermal stability of zircon sand make it an ideal raw material for special refractories. It can be used to manufacture refractory bricks, refractory castables and other products, and is widely used in steel, glass, cement and other industries. In high temperature furnaces, refractories made of zircon sand can withstand extreme temperature and chemical erosion, and prolong the service life of equipment.

(3) Ceramic industry

In the ceramic industry, zircon sand can be used to produce ceramic glaze and ceramic body. It can improve the mechanical strength, wear resistance and thermal shock resistance of ceramic products, and also improve the appearance quality of ceramics. For example, in the fields of building ceramics and sanitary ceramics, adding zircon sand can improve the performance and grade of products.

III. Quality control of zircon sand

Quality is the lifeline of zircon sand products. In order to ensure the high quality and stability of products, production enterprises usually establish a perfect quality control system. Quality inspectors will sample each batch of products, including particle size distribution, chemical composition analysis, physical properties, mineral composition and pH value. Only products that meet the standards can be sold out of the factory. For example, in the chemical composition of zircon sand, the content of ZrO₂+HfO₂ should be no less than 65%, and the content of Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ should be strictly controlled at a low level to ensure the purity and performance of the material.

IV. Market and supply of zircon sand

With the continuous development of industry, the market demand of zircon sand continues to grow. As an important producer and exporter of zircon sand in the world, China's products are mainly exported to South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Israel, Japan and the United States. On the supply side, enterprises usually provide customized products and services according to the specific needs of customers, including different granularity specifications, packaging methods and transportation schemes. For example, zircon sand can be packaged in 25 kg plastic woven bags or kraft paper bags, and can also be packaged in large bags or pallets according to customer requirements. In transportation, a 20-foot container can carry 24 tons, and a 40-foot container can carry 28 tons.

V. Market prospect of zircon sand

With the recovery of global economy and the upgrading of industrial manufacturing, zircon sand has a broad market prospect. Especially in aerospace, automobile manufacturing and other high-end manufacturing fields, the demand for high-precision and high-performance casting materials is increasing, and the application scope of zircon sand will be further expanded. In addition, with the enhancement of environmental awareness and technical progress, the production process of zircon sand will be continuously optimized, and the product quality will be further improved.

VI. Summary

Zircon sand plays an important role in the fields of precision casting, special refractories and ceramic industry because of its excellent physical and chemical properties. Through strict quality control and customized service, zircon sand can meet the needs of different customers. With the continuous growth of market demand and the continuous expansion of application fields, zircon sand will play a more important role in the future industrial development.