Borosilicate glass

Borosilicate glass is a type of glass with silicon dioxide and boron trioxide as the main glass-forming constituents. Borosilicate glasses are known for having very low coefficient of thermal expansion (~3 × 10−6 K−1 at 20 °C), making them resistant to thermal shock, more so than any other common glass.

History

In the late 19th century, Otto Schott, a German glassmaker, developed borosilicate glass, which was marketed under the brand name Duran in 1893. After Corning Incorporated refined the process, the product was sold under the brand name Pyrex in 1915.

Composition

Borosilicate glass is created by combining and melting boron, silicon, aluminum, sodium, and potassium at approximately 3000 degrees Fahrenheit. The resultant glass contains about 80% silica, 13% boron trioxide, 4% sodium oxide, and 2-3% aluminum oxide.

Properties

Borosilicate glass is highly resistant to thermal shock due to its low thermal expansion coefficient. This makes it ideal for use in certain environments where rapid temperature changes occur. It also has excellent chemical resistance, high radiation resistance, and good mechanical strength.

Uses

Borosilicate glass is used in a wide range of applications due to its durability and resistance to heat and chemicals. It is commonly used in laboratory glassware, cookware, lighting, and in high-end audio equipment. It is also used in the production of glass fiber for fiber optics and in the aerospace industry.

See also

• Glass
• Pyrex
• Glass transition
• Glass production