What is borosilicate glass?

Ⅰ.Material properties of borosilicate glass

1. Chemical composition

High borosilicate glass is mainly composed of silicon dioxide (SiO_2), boron trioxide (B_2O_3) and a small amount of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal oxides. Compared to ordinary glass, which is mainly composed of silica and alkali metal oxides, borosilicate glass has a higher content of boron oxide, which gives it unique physical and chemical properties.

2. Physical properties

High borosilicate glass has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, usually around 3.3×10^-6/K. This means that it is not prone to deformation or cracking when the temperature changes, and it has excellent heat resistance. In addition, borosilicate glass has good mechanical strength and transparency, making it an ideal material for laboratory instruments, cooking utensils, as well as drinking utensils.

3. Chemical stability

Borosilicate glass is chemically inert and exhibits strong resistance to acids, alkalis and salt solutions. It is because of this property that borosilicate glass is widely used in chemical laboratories and in the medical industry.

Second, the manufacturing process of borosilicate glasses

The manufacturing process of borosilicate glasses is relatively complex and requires strict process control. It generally involves the following steps:

1. Preparation of raw materials

According to the design requirements, silica, boron oxide and other fluxes are evenly formulated in proportion. The accuracy of the ingredients is directly related to the final performance of the glass.

Ⅱ. Melting

The prepared raw materials are melted at high temperatures, which usually need to be carried out in a high-temperature environment above 1400°C. The temperature and time need to be controlled during the melting process to ensure the homogeneity of the composition and the stability of the physical properties.

3. Molding

The molten glass is annealed, cooled to an appropriate temperature, and then molded into the shape of a glass by methods such as molding or blowing. In this process, the viscosity and cooling rate of the molten glass need to be precisely controlled to ensure the quality of the finished product.
4. Annealing

The molded glass needs to be annealed, that is, gradually cooled at a controlled temperature to eliminate internal stress and improve the mechanical strength and stability of the glass.

5. Quality inspection

Each batch of borosilicate glasses leaving the factory needs to undergo strict quality inspection, including visual inspection, dimensional measurement, physical property testing, etc., to ensure that the product meets the relevant standards.

Ⅲ. The safety of high borosilicate glasses

1. Safe to drink

Borosilicate glass is extremely chemically inert and will not react chemically with beverages such as water, juice, tea, etc., so it will not release harmful substances into drinking liquids. According to the relevant standards, borosilicate glass meets the requirements of food contact materials and is a safe drinking container.

2. High temperature safety

Due to its excellent heat resistance, borosilicate glass can withstand the impact of high-temperature liquids without breaking. Therefore, it is safe to drink hot water, hot tea and other high-temperature beverages in borosilicate glasses without adverse effects on human health.

3. Impact resistance

Although borosilicate glass has high mechanical strength, it is brittle and prone to breaking when subjected to severe impact or impact. Therefore, care should be taken to avoid falling or colliding during use to prevent glass fragments from causing harm to the human body.

Ⅳ. Clean and hygienic

High borosilicate glass has a smooth surface, which is not easy to adhere to dirt and bacteria, and is easy to clean and disinfect. Cleaning borosilicate glasses with detergent does not produce chemical reactions, ensuring hygienic and safe drinking.
Fourth, the application and user experience of borosilicate glasses

1. Widely used

Due to its superior performance, borosilicate glasses are widely used in many scenarios such as homes, offices, and laboratories. Whether used to drink boiled water, coffee, or to store juice and milk, borosilicate glasses perform well.

2. User experience

According to user feedback, borosilicate glasses not only have a beautiful appearance, but also have a good experience of use. Its transparency is high, and the color and state of the drink can be intuitively observed; The texture is comfortable, light and textured; Easy to clean, not easy to leave odors.

3. Market evaluation

High borosilicate glass has a high evaluation in the market, and consumers generally believe that it is cost-effective and worth recommending. Especially in today's health and environmental protection concepts, borosilicate glasses have become the first choice of more and more people with their safe, environmentally friendly and durable characteristics.

Ⅴ. Potential risks and precautions

1. Breakage risk

Despite the high mechanical strength of borosilicate glass, there is still a risk of breakage. During use and cleaning, violent collisions and falls from heights should be avoided to prevent injuries caused by broken glass.

2. Temperature difference change

Although borosilicate glass has excellent heat resistance, it can still crack under extreme temperature variations. For example, placing a high-temperature glass in cold water immediately can cause the glass to break due to uneven heating. Therefore, sudden temperature changes should be avoided when using borosilicate glasses.

3. Risk of misuse

High borosilicate glasses are suitable for common beverages such as drinking water, tea, coffee, etc., but not for alkaline detergents or chemical solutions. Improper use may result in damage to the glass or health hazards.

To sum up, borosilicate glasses are widely used in daily life because of their superior physical and chemical properties, and they are harmless to the human body. Its high heat resistance, chemical stability, and ease of cleaning make it an ideal drinking container. However, care should still be taken to prevent breakage and avoid extreme temperature variations during use. With proper use and maintenance, borosilicate glasses not only improve the quality of life, but also ensure safe drinking. In the future, with the progress of science and technology and the development of material science, borosilicate glasses will usher in a broader application prospect.