Knowing which type to look for in your glassware and glass fixtures can ensure that you’re getting top-notch quality and the appropriate material for good-quality glass that will last. To help you figure out what you need, here are some of the main differences between borosilicate and soda-lime glass:
Composition –– Borosilicate glass is composed of boron dioxide and silica, which are known to give objects heat and chemical resistant properties. Glass made from this material can withstand high levels of heat as compared to soda-lime, which can only maintain its structural integrity at moderate temperatures. Soda-lime glass also has significantly less silica content than Borosilicate glass, which makes it more prone to breakages!
Glass Shaping and Resistance to Thermal Shocks –– When it comes to thermal shock resistance, glass has a Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion or CTE. This determines how well the glass material can withstand high thermal shock ranges or extremely rapid temperature changes, which is usually required when glass is made, tempered, or shaped. The lower this value is, then the easier it is to shape. While Borosilicate can withstand a range of about 170 degrees Celsius due to its low CTE, Soda-Lime has a much higher CTE that prevents it from tolerating high heat changes.
Hardness, Strength, and Durability –– Borosilicate comes in second on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, right after diamond. This means that its strength is superior to other materials used for glass and reduces its chances of shattering or breaking when dropped.
Practical Uses of Borosilicate and Soda-Lime Glass –– Although borosilicate glass seems superior to soda-lime glass in many ways, there are still practical uses for the latter which suit everyday scenarios. Window panes, bottles and jars for food and beverage storage, and some lab equipment all use soda-lime glass. Though some equipment is made of borosilicate glass in the lab, things like Petri dishes, flasks, beakers, and test tubes that will be exposed to direct heat are made of soda-lime. Most manufactured glass is, in fact, of the soda-lime type!
Understanding the differences between the applications of soda-lime glass and borosilicate glass is essential to know that your glassware is of the right grade and appropriate for use. Appreciating the superior strength and advantages of borosilicate glass with its resistance to heat and breakage make it the perfect material for glassware in your home, such as filter jugs, bottles, and other containers!