The effect of enrichment on quartz sand properties

Abstract

The technological properties of quartz sand (without and after enrichment) by methods of emission spectral analysis, petrography, and X-ray phase analysis are investigated. The studied sand is a waste after extraction of titanium-containing components from raw materials. It is shown that the enrichment of quartz sand expands the field of its application. It has been established that quartz sand can be used as a filler of heavy, light, fine-grained, cellular and silicate concrete, mortar, and the preparation of dry construction mixtures. Also, sand can be claimed as a raw material component to produce ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, glazed ceramic products, wall ceramics, as well as proppants. Hydraulic enrichment leads to a decrease in the content of clay particles in the sand, which allows it to be used also for the construction of bases and coatings of roads and airfields. The integrated use of raw materials and waste allows solving the problem of creating non-waste and environmentally friendly technologies, which ensures the saving of natural raw materials, and on the other hand, allows it to be disposed of, improving the environmental situation. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.