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Borosilicate Glass

What is Borosilicate Glass

 

Borosilicate glass is a type of glass with silica and boron trioxide as the main glass-forming constituents. Borosilicate glasses are known for having very low coefficients of thermal expansion (≈3 × 10−6 K−1 at 20 °C), making them more resistant to thermal shock than any other common glass. Such glass is subjected to less thermal stress and can withstand temperature differentials without fracturing of about 165 °C (300 °F).[1] It is commonly used for the construction of reagent bottles and flasks, as well as lighting, electronics, and cookware.

 
Benefits of Borosilicate Glass
 
01/

Optical clarity
It's clear to see why borosilicate glass is a good solution when it comes to visibility (how could I resist this pun). Compared to the array of plastics, metals and other materials of construction, glass provides a smooth surface that offers an unobstructed view of what is going on inside the equipment, enhancing the level of observation in any process.

02/

Cleanability
Some materials of construction can pose housekeeping issues when it comes to ease of cleaning. Not glass! The anti-stick, nonporous surface makes borosilicate glass a popular choice for GMP compliant applications. And its transparency allows you to see when equipment needs to be cleaned without the need for interrupting the process and performing an internal inspection.

03/

Compact design
Compared to systems built using alternative materials of construction, glass components are much more compact making a glass system significantly smaller. This is especially beneficial in facilities that are facing space constraints as well as work areas where headroom can become an issue. The compact arrangement can also make shipping, delivery, and installation easier.

04/

Corrosion resistance
Similar to the properties of glass-lined steel, glass equipment provides unsurpassed corrosion resistance to water, neutral and acidic solutions, concentrated acids and acid mixtures, and to chlorine, bromine, iodine and organic substances. Its resistance to chemical attack is superior to that of most metals and other materials, even during prolonged periods of exposure and at temperatures above 100 °C. There are only a few chemicals which can cause noticeable corrosion of the glass surface - hydrofluoric acid, concentrated phosphoric acid and strong caustic solutions at elevated temperatures. However, at ambient temperatures caustic solutions up to 30% concentration can be handled by borosilicate glass without difficulty.

05/

Temperature range
Borosilicate glass' strong resistance to temperature makes it desirable in chemical and pharmaceutical processes. The maximum permissible operating temperature for QVF borosilicate glass is 200°C (due to limiting factors such as PTFE gaskets). Above a temperature of 525°C the glass begins to soften and above a temperature of 860°C it changes to the liquid state. Conversely, it can be cooled down to the maximum possible negative temperature, but is generally recommended for use down to – 80°C. An additional benefit within temperature allowance is the ability for borosilicate glass to be exposed to two different temperatures at the same time (though for safety reasons it is recommended that temperature difference does not exceed 100 K).

06/

Structural integrity due to low thermal expansion
Directly related to the large temperature differential comes the benefit of low thermal expansion. Because borosilicate glass doesn't expand like ordinary glass, there is a smoother transition between temperatures as well as the ability to withstand different temperatures at the same time. Borosilicate glass has an extremely low coefficient of linear expansion (3.3 x 10–6 K–1) as a result of its low thermal expansion. Additionally, the low thermal expansion coefficient eliminates the need for expensive measures to compensate for thermal expansion resulting from changes in temperature. This becomes especially significant in the layout of long runs of glass pipeline, ensuring a high level of structural integrity. For this reason, borosilicate glass is an approved and proven material in the construction of pressure equipment.

07/

Affordability
Compared to other materials of construction that offer similar properties such as corrosion resistance, glass is relatively economical to produce. When compared to the other options such as quartz, glass is an extremely affordable solution. Its sustainability is an additional factor that adds to its affordability; with proper maintenance and care, your glass equipment can have a long life.

08/

Inert behavior
Because there is no interaction or ion exchange between the process media and glass, there is no catalytic effect. The inertness of borosilicate glass also means it is nonflammable and poses no environmental risk. Due to the inert behavior of QVF glass there is no smell or taste alterations and can therefore be used in an almost unrestricted way in pharmaceutical applications and in the food and beverage industry.

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Different Borosilicate Glass Types Have The Following Typical Chemical Composition
 

 

Chemical 3.3 Expansion Borosilicate Glass 4.9 Expansion Borosilicate Glass (Clear) 5.4 Expansion Borosilicate Glass (Amber) 7.8 Expansion Soda-Lime Glass (Amber) 9.1 Expansion Soda-Lime Glass (Clear)
SiO2 80.60% 75.00% 70.00% 67.00% 69.00%
B2O3 13.00% 10.50% 7.50% 5.00% 1.00%
Na2O 4.00% 5.00% 6.50% 12.00% 13.00%
Al2O3 2.30% 7.00% 6.00% 7.00% 4.00%
CaO - 1.50% <1.0% 1.00% 5.00%
Fe2O3 - - 1.00% 2.00% -
Tio2 - - 5.00% - -
K2O - - 1.00% 1.00% 3.00%
BaO - - 2.00% <0.5% 2.00%
Mno2 - - - 5.00% -
MgO - - - - 3.00%

 

Physical Properties & Chemical Data for Borosilicate Glass

Hydrolytic resistance

For many applications, it is important that laboratory glassware has excellent hydrolytic resistance; e.g. during steam sterilisation procedures, where repeated exposure to water vapour at high temperature can leach out alkali (Na+) ions. Borosilicate glass has a relatively low alkali metal oxide content and consequently a high resistance to attack from water.

Acid resistance

Glasses with a high percentage weight of silica (SiO2) are less likely to be attacked by acids. 3.3 Expansion borosilicate glass is over 80% silica and therefore remarkably resistant to acids (with the exception of hot concentrated phosphoric acid and hydrofluoric acid). Glass is separated into 4 acid resistance classes and borosilicate glass corresponds to Class S1 in accordance with DIN 12116 and meets the requirements of ISO 1776.

Alkali Resistance

Alkaline solutions attack all glasses and borosilicate glass can be classified as moderately resistant. The alkali resistance of borosilicate glass meets Class A2 requirements as defined by ISO 695 and DIN 52322.

Borosilicate Glass Physical And Chemical Properties
 

 

  3.3 Expansion Borosilicate Glass 4.9 Expansion Borosilicate Glass (Clear) 5.4 Expansion Borosilicate Glass (Amber) 7.8 Expansion Soda-Lime Glass (Amber) 9.1 Expansion Soda-Lime Glass (Clear)
Coefficient of Expansion (20-300° C) x10-6K-1 3.3 4.9 5.4 7.8 9.1
Working Point ° C 1252 1160 1165 1050 1040
Softening Point° C 821 785 770 720 720
Annealing Point ° C 565 565 560 540 530
Transformation Temperature° C 525 565 550 535 525
Density at 25° Cg/cm-3 2.23 2.34 2.42 2.5 2.5
Hydrolytic Resistance          
Acc. to ISO 719 Class HGB 1 Class HGB 1 Class HGB 1 Class HGB 2 Class HGB 3
Acc. to EP Type 1 Type 1 Type 1 Type 111 Type 111
Acc. to USP Type 1 Type 1 Type 1 Type 111 Type 111
Acid Resistance (DIN 12116) Class S1 Class S1 Class S1 Class S2 Class S1
Alkali Resistance (ISO 695) Class A2 Class A2 Class A2 Class A2 Class A2

 

Types of Borosilicate Glass
 

Soda-lime glass

Soda-lime glass is the most common (90% of glass made), and least expensive form of glass. It usually contains 60-75% silica, 12-18% soda, 5-12% lime. Resistance to high temperatures and sudden changes of temperature are not good and resistance to corrosive chemicals is only fair.

 

 

 

Black Screen Print Tempered Glass
Black Screen Print Tempered Glass

Lead glass

Lead glass has a high percentage of lead oxide (at least 20% of the batch). It is relatively soft, and its refractive index gives a brilliance that may be exploited by cutting. It is somewhat more expensive than soda-lime glass and is favored for electrical applications because of its excellent electrical insulating properties. Thermometer tubing and art glass are also made from lead-alkali glass, commonly called lead glass. This glass will not withstand high temperatures or sudden changes in temperature.

Borosilicate glass

Borosilicate glass is any silicate glass having at least 5% of boric oxide in its composition. It has high resistance to temperature change and chemical corrosion. Not quite as convenient to fabricate as either lime or lead glass, and not as low in cost as lime, borosilicate's cost is moderate when measured against its usefulness. Pipelines, light bulbs, photochromic glasses, sealed-beam headlights, laboratory ware, and bake ware are examples of borosilicate products.

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Tempered Solar Panel Glass

Aluminosilicate glass

Aluminosilicate glass has aluminum oxide in its composition. It is similar to borosilicate glass but it has greater chemical durability and can withstand higher operating temperatures. Compared to borosilicate, aluminosilicates are more difficult to fabricate. When coated with an electrically conductive film, aluminosilicate glass is used as resistors for electronic circuitry.

Ninety-six percent silica glass

Ninety-six percent silica glass is a borosilicate glass, melted and formed by conventional means, then processed to remove almost all the non-silicate elements from the piece. By reheating to 1200°C the resulting pores are consolidated. This glass is resistant to heat shock up to 900°C.

3mm Smart Home Automation Tempered Glass Cover
3mm Smart Home Automation Tempered Glass Cover

Fused silica glass

Fused silica glass is pure silicon dioxide in the non-crystalline state. It is very difficult to fabricate, so it is the most expensive of all glasses. It can sustain operating temperatures up to 1200°C for short periods. (see: Glass and the Space Orbiter )

 

Understanding the Contrast: Borosilicate Glass and Soda Lime Glass
 

An in-depth look at soda lime glass

Soda lime glass, with silicon dioxide as its main ingredient, is the most prevalent type of glass available today. Valued for its affordability, chemical stability, and robust physical characteristics such as hardness and adaptability, a unique feature of soda lime glass is its ability to be recycled; it can be melted and reshaped multiple times without significantly losing quality.


The production process of soda lime glass involves various raw materials, including sodium carbonate, lime, dolomite, silicon dioxide, and aluminum oxide. These are combined and melted in a glass furnace that can reach temperatures up to 1675 °C. The selection of raw materials can also affect the final color of the glass, with components like iron oxide producing green and brown glassware.
Soda lime glass, with its property of increasing viscosity as temperature decreases, can be easily shaped into a variety of forms. Manufacturers commonly use it for container and flat glass, each with unique applications.

Delving into borosilicate glass

Unlike soda lime glass, Borosilicate glass combines silicon dioxide and boron trioxide as its main glass-forming components. It is primarily known for its low coefficient of thermal expansion, providing exceptional resistance to thermal shock. These attributes make borosilicate glass the material of choice for producing laboratory equipment, such as reagent bottles and heat-resistant bakeware.


Borosilicate glass production involves melting boric oxide, silica sand, soda ash, and alumina. There are several types of borosilicate glass, including non-alkaline-earth borosilicate glass, alkaline-earth-containing borosilicate glass, and high borate borosilicate glass, each with characteristics determined by the specific raw materials used.

 

Differentiating Between Soda Lime and Borosilicate Glass

Although soda lime and borosilicate glasses primarily consist of silicon dioxide, their chemical compositions and the raw materials used in their creation vary significantly. Soda lime glass does not include boron-based components, whereas borosilicate glass incorporates boron trioxide.
Soda lime glass, comprised of sodium carbonate, lime, dolomite, silicon dioxide, and aluminum oxide, exhibits lower thermal resistance than borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass, created from boric oxide, silica sand, soda ash, and alumina, features a remarkably low coefficient of thermal expansion, providing it with significant thermal shock resistance.
These differences in thermal resistance often dictate the specific uses of each type of glass. The choice between soda lime glass and borosilicate glass hinges on the application’s specific requirements.

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Properties of Borosilicate Glass
 

 

  Material Property Value
General Density (@ 25oC) 2.23 g/cm3
Mechanical Young’s Modulus 64 GPa
  Poisson’s ratio (μ) 0.2
Thermal Maximum rated use temperature 500oC
  Transformation temperature 525oC
  Thermal Conductivity (@90oC) 1.2 W/(moK)
  Coefficient of mean linear thermal expansion (@ 20oC, 300oC) 3.3 x 10-6 /oK
Electrical Volume resistance 1015 Ω cm
  Dielectric Constant 4.6
  Dielectric Strength 30 kV/mm
Optical Refractive Index (@ λ =587.6 nm) 1.473
  Stress-optical coefficient 4.0 x 10-6 mm2/N

 

Application of Borosilicate Glass

 

 

Laboratory glassware
The high dimensional stability and ability to tolerate exposure to different temperatures at the same time make borosilicate glass a natural material choice from which to create laboratory glassware, also called labware. Petri dishes, microscope slides, bottles, beakers, flasks, test tubes, funnels, and measuring instruments such as graduated cylinders are all common examples. Besides the favorable thermal properties, borosilicate glass is very resistant and non-reactive to most chemicals.

 

Scientific lenses and hot mirrors
Borosilicate glass can be molded into high precision optical components such as lenses for use in telescopes and other precision optical devices. The low coefficient of thermal expansion for borosilicate glass means that the optical properties of the lenses will be stable over changes in temperature as the glass lens will not significantly change its dimensions. The glass is also ideal for use in hot mirrors that reflect infrared light.

 

Bakeware and cookware
Among its first and most common uses is in the creation of household cookware and bakeware. The thermal properties of borosilicate cookware allow it to be transported from a hot oven to a cool countertop without fear of cracking or shattering. It is also used in products such as measuring cups and is safe for use in microwave ovens and dishwashers.

 

Thermal insulation
The thermal properties of borosilicate glass were used to fabricate the thermal tiles that protected the space shuttle from the heat of reentry into earth’s atmosphere.

 

High-intensity lighting products
Stage lights and lighting products used in the film industry make use of borosilicate glass lenses, as these lights can reach high temperatures when operated continuously for hours on end. Other lamp products that use high-intensity discharge (HID), such as mercury vapor lamps or metal halide lamps, will make use of borosilicate lenses or outer envelopes.

 

Sight glass
In industrial processes, tanks make use of sight glasses that are often fabricated from borosilicate glass. These sight glasses allow for the visual monitoring of substances and processes without the need to open the tank or storage vessel, and without interrupting the process.

 

Aircraft exterior lenses
The exterior lamps on an aircraft use borosilicate glass lenses due to the clear optical properties (transmissibility) and the ability to withstand the temperature differential experienced during high altitude flight. Figure 1 below shows an example of the optical transmission characteristics of one type of borosilicate glass. Note the very flat performance across the full spectrum of wavelength from 300 – 1200 nm.

Key Factors To Consider When Choosing Borosilicate Glass
 
1

Temperature range: If your application involves exposure to extreme temperatures, it is important to choose borosilicate glass that is rated to withstand those temperatures. The glass should be able to withstand the maximum and minimum temperatures it will be exposed to without breaking or shattering.

2

Chemical resistance: If your application involves exposure to chemicals, it is important to choose borosilicate glass that is resistant to those chemicals. You should consider the pH range and specific chemicals that the glass will be exposed to in order to choose a glass that is suitable for your application.

3

Mechanical strength: The mechanical strength of the borosilicate glass should be considered if your application involves the glass being subjected to stress or impact. You should choose a glass with a high level of mechanical strength in order to ensure it can withstand the forces it will be subjected to.

4

Optical clarity: If your application requires good visibility through the glass, it is important to choose a borosilicate glass with good optical clarity. This will ensure that you can see through the glass clearly without any distortions or distortions.

5

Size and shape: You should also consider the size and shape of the borosilicate glass that is appropriate for your application. The glass should be able to fit into the required space and have the appropriate shape for your needs.

Company Advantages
 

Heyuan Hongwei Glass Co., Ltd. located in Heyuan City, the National High-tech Development Zone.The product is positioned in the high-end TV, monitor, home-used air conditioning, refrigerator and other household appliances related to glass products.The company has a 10000 square meters modern deep processing room ,with cutting and grinding integrated molding edge grinding machine, automatic inspection equipment, CNC machining center, continuous tempering furnace and other glass deep processing equipment,Ensure that the glass is cut, grinded, special-shaped, and tempered (2-5mm) for finishing,Specializing in the production of high-precision TV, LCD/LED screen protection glass, AR anti-reflection glass, digital picture frames, advertising machines, photocopier glass, etc. 

 

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Our Certificate
 

Our company passes ISO90001. 3C Certification.Our products comply with ROHS, REACH, EN12150-1 and other standards 

 

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Asked Questions

Q: What are the limitations of borosilicate glass?

A: The advantages of borosilicate glass include its durability, chemical resistance, and thermal stability, while the limitations and disadvantages include its brittleness and higher cost compared to other types of glass.

Q: How easily does borosilicate glass break?

A: It is stronger than regular glass but it can still break or crack if it is dropped or hit hard. It is important to handle borosilicate glass with proper care to minimize the risk of breakage.

Q: Does borosilicate glass leach chemicals?

A: Borosilicate glass does not let any chemicals leach into the beverages and keeps them from contamination.

Q: How do you care for borosilicate glass?

A: HFor stubborn stains, a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap should do the trick. Handle with Care: While borosilicate glass is known for its durability, it's not invincible. Avoid exposing your glass bottle to extreme temperatures, sudden impacts, or drastic changes in temperature to prevent breakage.

Q: Is it safe to drink from borosilicate glass?

A: Is Borosilicate Glass safe or toxic? Just like regular glass, borosilicate glass is completely non-toxic. Companies like Pyrex use it as a safe material to make heat-resistant glass jugs, glass bottles, and cookware.

Q: Is there BPA in borosilicate glass?

A: Borosilicate glass is free of BPA and phthalates. It thus ensures healthy and safe preparations for you and your family. Borosilicate glass is often used in chemical laboratories and in the pharmaceutical industry for its strength and natural hygienic properties.

Q: Does borosilicate glass react with anything?

A: Does glass react with anything? Depending on the glass's composition, yes. Common soda-lime and borosilicate glasses are resistant to chemicals but usually subject to attack by fluorides - hydrogen fluoride is a common glass etchant.

Q: Can you put boiling water in borosilicate glass?

A: Thanks to this, borosilicate glass has the ability to go straight from a freezer to an oven rack without cracking. For you, this means you can pour boiling hot water into borosilicate glass if you wanted to say, steep tea or coffee, without worrying about shattering or cracking the glass.

Q: Is there fake borosilicate glass?

A: It could be counterfeit glass! Soda lime and Borosilicate glass look very similar, but perform completely differently. Lately, there has been a rash of counterfeit glass introduced into the glass-gauge industry, some so-called companies even illegally using the corporate names of legitimate glass providers.

Q: How fragile is borosilicate glass?

A: First of all, high borosilicate glass is not fragile. Because high borosilicate glass has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, it is only about one-third of that of ordinary glass. This will reduce the impact caused by the temperature gradient stress, which will have stronger fracture resistance.

Q: Why is borosilicate glass so expensive?

A: First, the raw materials used in its production, including boron, are more expensive than those used in soda-lime glass. Additionally, borosilicate glass has a higher melting point, requiring more energy to process and shape it.

Q: Can borosilicate glass be dishwasher safe?

A: As long as you use your borosilicate glass kitchenware as it's intended, you shouldn't have to worry about it breaking. It's oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe and can withstand everyday bumps and knocks.

Q: Will borosilicate glass break if dropped?

A: Although borosilicate glass is more resistant to thermal shock than tempered glass, under sufficiently extreme temperature changes it can still break (more on this below); it's also more likely than tempered glass to break if you drop it.

Q: Why can't borosilicate glass be recycled?

A: If an Item is made of tempered (borosilicate) glass, crystal, pyrex, or other dishware, it belongs in the garbage. It cannot be recycled with glass bottles and jars. Its melting temperature is different, so it can contaminate an entire batch of recycled glass.

Q: Is borosilicate glass always lead free?

A: Borosilicate glass is food-safe due to the fact that it contains boron, and does not contain any lead or cadmium. As we explained above, boron acts like a type of shield, stopping any leaching into and out of the glass.

Q: What are the fun facts about borosilicate glass?

A: Fun fact! Borosilicate glass is so impervious to synthetic substances that it is even used to store atomic waste. The boron in the glass makes it less solvent, keeping any undesirable materials from draining into the glass, or vice versa.

Q: Can borosilicate glass be microwaved?

A: Among them, the glass materials that can be put into the microwave oven include: glass-ceramic, titanium oxide crystallized glass, and borosilicate glass. These glasses are relatively stable and very resistant to high temperature, so they can be used in microwave ovens for a long time.

Q: Can you hand blown borosilicate glass?

A: These hand blown borosilicate shot glasses are crafted by Michael Dickinson using traditional flameworking techniques. All designs are individually hand-crafted as orders are received.

Q: Is borosilicate glass bad for the environment?

A: Since borosilicate glass is made from naturally abundant materials that are more easily obtained than oil, the environmental impact is also smaller. Not to mention, if handled with care, borosilicate glass can last a lifetime.

Q: Is borosilicate glass stovetop safe?

A: In fact, this glass is so different from lower-quality grades that it can go from a freezer to a stovetop with no cracking or breaking. In the case of borosilicate glass teapots, most are safe to use directly on a stovetop or for heating water in a microwave.

As one of the leading borosilicate glass manufacturers and suppliers in China, we warmly welcome you to wholesale cheap borosilicate glass from our factory. All custom made products are with high quality and competitive price.

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