Strenghth of thin plastic sheets for bulkheads in space colonies

Is there a benefit to using sapphire over silicon dioxide (quartz in one of its forms)? In any longterm space settlement plan, there is a need to make durable transparent windows out something. In know you can refine really pure silicon via converting it to silane and decomposing it on an existing crystal. The mechanics of alumina are a little less known to me. May I ask you to comment on this? Thanks, Thor

"Scott E. Shjefte" wrote: Thanks to those who did. I guess we'll have to go with Plexiglas or something. Where is Scotty's "transparent aluminum" when you need it? We use transparent aluminum in our weapon system designs. It is called Sapphire. It is a bit expense but it is very strong.
Sr. Staff Metallurgical Engineer, Scott Shjefte