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These materials at high temperature (i.e. molten viscous state) fuse together; then they are
cooled rapidly forming a rigid structure, however not having enough time to form a
crystalline regular structure.
Depending on the final use and application the composition of the glass and cooling rate
will vary to achieve the adequate properties for the specific application. These are the
common ingredients to obtain glass:
Other materials and oxides can be added to increase properties (tinting, durability, etc.),
produce different effects, colors, etc.
Main properties of glass
These are the main characteristics of glass:
- Glass is 100% recyclable and one of the safest packaging materials due to its
composition and properties
These properties can be modified and changed by adding other compounds or heat
treatment.
- It has a smooth and nonporous surface that allows glass bottles and packaging glass to be
easily cleaned;
- Soda-lime glass containers are virtually inert, resistant to chemical attack from aqueous
solutions so they will not contaminate the contents inside or affect the taste.
Whereas pure glass SiO2 does not absorb UV light, soda-lime glass does not allow light at
a wavelength of lower than 400 nm (UV light) to pass.
The disadvantages of soda-lime glass is that is not resistant to high temperatures and
sudden thermal changes. For example, everybody has experienced a glass breaking down
when pouring liquid at high temperature, for example to make tea.
Some of the use of soda-lime glass is primarily used for bottles, jars, everyday drinking
glasses, and window glass.
Lead glass:
Lead glass is composed of 54-65% SiO2, 18-38% lead oxide (PbO), 13-15% soda (Na2O)
or potash (K2), and various other oxides. When the content of PbO is less than 18% is
known as crystal glass.
Glass with high lead oxide contents (i.e. 65%) may be used as radiation shielding glass
because lead absorb gamma rays and other forms of harmful radiation, for example, for
nuclear industry.
As with soda-lime glass, lead glass will not withstand high temperatures or sudden changes
in temperature.
Borosilicate glass:
Borosilicate glass is mainly composed of silica (70-80%), boric oxide B2O3 (7-13%) and
smaller amounts of the alkalis (sodium and potassium oxides) such as 4-8% of Na2O and
K2O, and 2-7% aluminum oxide (Al2O3).
There are other special types of glass by adding different substances. For example:
Elemen
Properties
t
Alumin It improves chemical resistance and increases viscosity in lower temperature
a ranges
Cerium To absorb infrared rays
Metals and metal oxides to change color (ex. manganese and selenium to
Colorin
decolorized gas, cobalt for blue, copper for red, nickel produces blue, violet or
g agents
black glass, titanium produces yellowish-brown, etc.).
Barium Glass containing barium is not quite as heavy as lead crystal, but achieves
oxide similar brilliance due to its high refractive index.
Fluorine-containing materials, such as fluorspar (CaF2) or phosphates to form
Fluorin
small crystalline particles in the glass which gives them a cloudy and opaque
e
impression
Recently developed forms of glass include: