When it comes to glassware, choosing just the right type of glass can make or break how it is used — literally! Two types that are used in everyday life are borosilicate glass and soda-lime glass, each of which has its own set of applications that make drinking water, performing experiments, storing food, and other functions possible.
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 the 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.
Glass water filter jugs made of borosilicate glass will withstand impact or friction to remain intact and look good as new for long-term use. It can also be used to lessen risks in laboratories by providing sturdiness to lab glassware.
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!
Specialised glassware composed of borosilicate glass includes beverage glassware, laboratory glassware, telescopes, flashlights, aquarium heaters, and some glass cookware. It can also be used in everyday household objects, such as eco-friendly water filter jugs, to cut down on waste from breakages and repurchasing products.
Conclusion
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 homes, such as filter jugs, bottles, and other containers! Specific varieties such as the Gentoo Water Filter Jug can even alkalise water to a healthy pH range and remove contaminants from the water. Choosing to purchase glassware made of this material is not only protecting your money but your health and the environment as well.
Here at Ecobud, we create products that will help solve two of life’s biggest problems: your health and the environment. By focusing on products that can deliver the best and safest water to you, we can continuously improve your health while promoting solutions that benefit the environment! Browse our website and purchase the best borosilicate strength glass alkaline water jugs today!