Application Of Synthetic Amorphous Silica For Making Silicate Glasses

Trials have been carried out on the use of silica gel, formed during the production of aluminium trifluoride, as a partial replacement for quartz sand. Faster melting was achieved and the practice should be applicable to the manufacture of both colourless and coloured glasses, provided the fluorine compounds and excess moisture from the silica gel can be removed satisfactorily. For opal glasses only the excess moisture need be eliminated.