Effect of heat treatment on porosity, microstructures, and mechanical properties of silica composite pellets

Abstract Silica composite pellets, commonly known as proppants in the petroleum industry, are crucial due to their resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and mechanical strength. This research is significant as it aims to examine the effect of heat treatment on the porosity, microstructure, and mechanical properties of these pellets. The study involves a composition of silica sand and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in a ratio of 85%: 15%, a compaction process with a pressure of 5 tons, and various heat treatments ranging from 1100°C to 1300°C. The results show that the highest compressive strength value occurred in the sample with 1200°C heat treatment, which was 10.54 MPa due to the volume shrinkage, which increased the ceramics adhesive power.