What is the Difference Between Soda Lime Glass and Borosilicate Glass?

The main difference between soda lime glass and borosilicate glass lies in their chemical compositions and properties. Here are the key differences between the two types of glass:

Composition: Soda lime glass is composed of sodium carbonate, lime, dolomite, silicon dioxide, and aluminum oxide, while borosilicate glass includes boron trioxide as a significant component.
Thermal Resistance: Borosilicate glass has a lower coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE) than soda lime glass, making it more resistant to thermal shock. This property makes borosilicate glass suitable for applications involving direct heating, such as beakers or boiling flasks, while soda lime glass is used for items not likely to experience extreme temperature changes, like Petri dishes.
Hardness, Strength, and Durability: Borosilicate glass is harder, stronger, and more durable than soda lime glass. It ranks second on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, just after diamond.
Chemical Resistance: Borosilicate glass is more resistant to acidic and basic chemicals than soda lime glass.
Leaching and Absorption: Soda lime glass can leach and absorb chemicals or particles, which can be a problem for food and beverage storage. Borosilicate glass, on the other hand, has a low solubility that prevents leaching and absorption, making it a safer choice for food and beverage storage.

In summary, borosilicate glass is generally more resistant to thermal shock, chemicals, and impacts than soda lime glass. However, it is also more expensive and difficult to manufacture. If a glass product does not require extreme temperature or chemical resistance, soda lime glass is a more cost-effective and easier-to-work-with option.

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What is the Difference Between Soda Lime Glass and Borosilicate Glass?

Comparative Table: Soda Lime Glass vs Borosilicate Glass

Soda lime glass and borosilicate glass are two types of glass with distinct chemical compositions and properties. Here is a table comparing their differences:

Property	Soda Lime Glass	Borosilicate Glass
Chemical Composition	Mainly composed of sodium carbonate, lime, dolomite, silicon dioxide, and aluminum oxide. Does not include boron-based components.	Contains silicon dioxide and boron trioxide as the major glass-forming constituents. Includes boric oxide, silica sand, soda ash, and alumina as raw materials.
Thermal Resistance	Lower thermal resistance compared to borosilicate glass. Has a higher Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CTE).	Higher thermal resistance due to its lower CTE. More resistant to thermal shock.
Chemical Resistance	Less resistant to acidic chemicals.	More resistant to acidic chemicals.
Applications	Commonly used for glassware not exposed to high temperatures, such as Petri dishes.	Often used for glassware that may be directly heated, like beakers or boiling flasks, due to its high thermal shock resistance. Also used in laboratory and mechanical settings where standard glass may not be sufficient.
Thermal Expansion	8.8 to 9.0 µm/m-K.	3.3 to 5.1 µm/m-K.
Density	2.4 g/cm³.	2.2 to 2.6 g/cm³.

In summary, soda lime glass is more commonly used for everyday applications and is less resistant to thermal shock and acidic chemicals compared to borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass, on the other hand, is more resistant to thermal shock and acidic chemicals, making it suitable for laboratory and mechanical settings.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.