Soda-lime Glass also called “ soda-lime-silica glass “ , which is the most common glass material in our daily life . It is inexpensive, chemically stable, moderately hard, and extremely processable as well. It is well suited for glass recycling as it can be re-softened and re-melted many times.
So, these advantages determine the wide use of soda-lime glass. It can be said that 80% of the glass we see in life is soda-lime glass.
So , today let come to study Soda-lime Glass : What is it and Where is can be used ?
What Made-up Soda-lime Glass ?
Soda-lime glass is a common glass material composed of sodium oxide (Na2O) and calcium oxide (CaO). It has many special chemical and physical properties and therefore has a wide range of applications in different fields.
The composition of soda-lime glass is shown in the table below:
1. Sodium oxide (Na2O)
Sodium oxide is one of the important components of soda-lime glass.It is a colorless solid, which can improve the alkali and corrosion resistance of the glass. The amount of sodium oxide determines the hardness and compressive properties of the glass. 2.
2. Calcium Oxide (CaO)
Calcium oxide is another major component of soda-lime glass.
It is a white solid that improves the heat resistance and thermal resistance of the glass. The amount of calcium oxide has a significant effect on the coefficient of thermal expansion and thermal conductivity of the glass.
3. Silicon Oxide (SiO2)
The main ingredient of soda-lime glass. Silicon oxide is one of the most common components in soda lime glass.It is a colorless solid that improves the compressive and abrasion resistance of the glass. The amount of silicon oxide determines the tensile strength and tensile modulus of the glass.
4. Alumina (Al2O3)
Alumina is one of the minor components of soda-lime glass.
It is a white solid that improves the acid and chemical resistance of the glass. The amount of alumina material has a great influence on the corrosion and heat resistance of the glass.
5. Phosphate (P2O5):
Phosphate is an additive in soda-lime glass.
It is a colorless solid that improves the corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity of the glass. The phosphate content has a great influence on the conductivity and electrochemical properties of the glass.
In addition to the above main components, soda-lime glass may also contain small amounts of other metal oxides, alkali metal oxides and rare earth elements.
Different contents and ratios of these components will produce soda-lime silicates with different properties and uses.
Where Soda-lime Glass Can be Used ?
The composition of soda-lime glass determines its special properties and uses. Soda-lime glass has good optical properties and can be used to manufacture optical instruments, optical fibers and optical equipment. At the same time, soda-lime glass also has excellent electrical properties and can be used to manufacture electronic equipment, capacitors and sensors.
In addition, soda-lime glass has excellent chemical stability and biocompatibility, and can be used in pharmaceutical, biomedical and life science fields.
Soda-lime glass is an important glass material whose composition includes substances such as sodium and calcium oxides, silicon oxide, alumina and phosphates. The content and proportion of these components determine the properties and uses of soda-lime glass. Soda lime glass has a broad application prospect in the field of optics, electronics, chemistry and biomedicine.