The potential of quartz rock at Kg. Padang Biawas, Negeri Sembilan for solar silicon application

• Main Authors: Zakri, Haniza binti, Hussin, Azimah binti
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aluminum; Bushes; Calcium; Ceramics industry; Glass industry; Granite; Magnesium; Nickel; Organic chemistry; Quartz; Rubber; Silicon dioxide; Stone
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/1.4858691

The study area is located between 2°40.7’N-2°41.7’N and 102°9.3’E-102°9.8’E, at Kg. Padang Biawas, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, covering about 2.14 km2 of area. It is a private land surrounded by rubber and bushes. The study area is underlain by granite, which is part of the Main Range Granite. The quartz rock in Kg. Padang Biawas occurs as a prominent ridge and can be easily identified from aerial photo. The quartz ridge is about 1 km long with average width of 0.5 km. In this study, the quartz raw material is functioning as the initial feedstock for the solar application. Therefore, the characterisation of its chemical purity will be the main subject to be analysed whether it is suitable or not suitable for the application in the solar industry. Based on the XRF and ICP results, the average content of SiO2 is about 98.7% compared with the required 99.8%. Some minor treatment is undertaken for the purpose to increase the SiO2 content, yet the result is still below the requirements. The quartz deposit is also high in other impurities such as Al, B, Ca, K, Li, Mg, Mg, Na, Ni and Ti. Therefore, the quartz deposit in Kg. Padang Biawas, Negeri Sembilan does not meet the solar silicon requirement and is categorised as medium quality. It is recommended for other usage such as in the cement, ceramic and glass industry, rather than the high-tech applications.