Granular Inhomogeneity Formation during Quartz Glass Melting

Abstract

This paper examines the formation of fine-grain inhomogeneity in quartz glass. We demonstrate that this defect emerges during the melting of fine-particle crystalline raw materials and the formation of a three-dimensional intergranular network, which contains a high impurity concentration and has a disordered structure. The present results are inconsistent with the existing believe that incomplete melting of quartz grains is the main cause of the development of fine-grain inhomogeneity. In contrast, prolonged high-temperature heat treatment increases the intergranular impurity concentration and intensifies the effect.