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The Four Most Common Types of Glass Used in Modern Household Items

The home appliances market boasts an extensive range of products made from diverse materials. However, market research reveals that glassware dominates the industry. Glass, with its myriad types, offers a wide range of qualities and characteristics, thus influencing the overall quality of the products.

Administrator

2 September, 2024

As technology advances, so does the variety of glass types, each designed for specific products and purposes. Let’s explore four common types of glass used in household items today.

1Common Types of Glass

The market offers a wide range of glass options, each with its unique properties and benefits. Here’s a rundown of four popular types:

Soda-lime glass

Soda-lime glass is one of the most widely used types in daily life. It is produced from a mixture of NaOH and CaO.

Soda-lime glass is primarily used in the manufacturing of glassware such as cups, bowls, and plates, as well as window panes. Its composition typically includes 60-75% silica, 12-18% soda, and 5-12% lime.

One limitation of soda-lime glass is its low heat resistance and poor water durability. However, it remains a popular choice among manufacturers due to its affordability, making the end products accessible to many households.

Another advantage of soda-lime glass is its ease of cleaning and resistance to retaining odors, although its low heat resistance makes it less suitable for cooking applications.

Tempered glass

Tempered glass, also known as toughened glass, offers improved strength over regular glass. It is created by heating soda-lime glass to high temperatures and then rapidly cooling it to form a more robust and heat-resistant glass.

The superior heat resistance of tempered glass makes it ideal for various applications, including furniture and fixtures such as sinks and glass doors. Its outstanding properties have led to its widespread use in our daily lives.

Heat-resistant glass

Heat-resistant glass is another commonly used type in everyday life. To produce this glass, manufacturers heat it to approximately 1000°C and then slowly cool it by combining it with other high-quality glasses. To enhance heat resistance further, manufacturers often use borosilicate glass in the mixture.

Borosilicate glass is a premium type of glass that can withstand temperatures up to 400°C without being affected by temperature changes.

Heat-resistant glass finds applications in various products, such as water bottles, jars, and food containers. Importantly, it can be used for direct heating in microwaves and infrared stoves.

Opal glass

Opal glass, or white glass, is the most prevalent type of glass in our lives. It is made from natural materials, including white sand from the seas of Vietnam. Heating the white sand (silicate) to high temperatures of 1600°C turns the glass white instead of its usual transparent state.

Opal glass boasts several advantages over other types, including odor resistance, high hardness, heat resistance, and safety for human health. Notably, opal glass items can be safely washed in dishwashers.

The hard and glazed surface of opal glass items makes them highly durable and resistant to scratches during everyday use.

2Some Precautions When Using Glassware

To enhance the durability of glass items and protect them, consider the following tips:

For new glassware, it is advisable to pour in some hot water and evenly distribute it around the item. Sudden temperature changes can cause the glass to expand rapidly and crack or shatter.

When cleaning glassware, use soft and smooth sponges instead of abrasive scrubbers to minimize scratches.

Handle glassware with care to prevent breakage. Avoid forceful impacts with other objects, and be gentle when cleaning them.

The information above will help you choose the right glass products for your home.

Frequently asked questions

The four most common types of glass are soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, lead crystal, and tempered glass.

Soda-lime glass is the most common type of glass and is used for windows, bottles, and food containers. It is made from a mixture of sand, soda ash, and limestone, and is known for its clarity and versatility.

Borosilicate glass is known for its durability and heat resistance. It is often used for laboratory equipment, as well as cookware and bakeware. This type of glass is less susceptible to thermal shock than other types of glass, making it ideal for applications where temperature changes are common.

Lead crystal glass contains a significant amount of lead oxide, which gives it a high refractive index and a brilliant sparkle. It is often used for fine glassware, decanters, and decorative items. However, due to the health risks associated with lead, this type of glass is not suitable for storing food or beverages.

Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that is strengthened through a thermal process. It is often used for shower doors, mobile phone screens, and automobile windows. When broken, tempered glass shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces, reducing the risk of injury.