Glass

1. Fused glass is the simplest type of glass, which consist mainly of silica or
silicon dioxide. Occasionally a little boron oxide is added.
2. Other types of glass are mainly metal silicates.
3. Various types of glass can be produced by changing the composition of
glass. Different types of glass have different properties and they are used
for various specific purpose.

Name of
glass
Properties Chemical
composition
Example of uses
Fused glass Very high softening
point (1700C),
hence highly heat-
resistant
Transparent to
ultraviolet and
infrared light
Difficult to be made
into different
shapes
Does not crack
when temperature
changes (very low
thermal expansion
coefficient)
Very resistant to
chemical reactions

SiO
2
(99%)
B
2
O
3
(1%)
Telescope mirrors,
lenses, optical fibres and
laboratory glasswares


Photograph 1 laboratory
glasswares is made from
fused glass
Soda lime
glass
Low softening point
(700C), hence
does not withstand
heating
Breaks easily
Cracks easily with
sudden
temperature
changes (high
SiO
2
(70%)
Na
2
O (15%)
CaO (10%)
Others (5%)
Bottles, window-panes,
light bulbs, mirrors, flat
glass, glass-plates and
bowls. (The most widely
used type of glass)

thermal coefficient
of expansion)
Less resistant to
chemical reactions
Easy to make into
different shapes


Photograph 2 Bottles is
made from soda lime glass

Borosilicate
glass
Ouite high
softening point
(800C), hence it is
heat-resistant
Does not crack
easily with sudden
change in
temperature
Transparent to
ultraviolet light
More resistant to
chemical reactions
Does not break
easily

SiO
2
(80%)
B
2
O
3
(15%)
Na
2
O (3%)
Al
2
O
3
(1%)
Laboratory apparatus,
cooking utensils,
electrical-tubes and
glass pipelines


Photograph 3 The glass lid
of this cooker is made from
borosilicate glass

Lead glass Low softening point
(600C)
High density
High refractive
index
Reflects light rays
and appears
sparkling

Sio
2
(55%)
PbO (30%)
K
2
O (10%)
Na
2
O (3%)
Al
2
O
3
(2%)
Decorative items, crystal
glasswares, lens, prisms
and chandeliers


Photograph 4 crystal
glasswares