Types of Glass

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Soda-lime glass (also called lime glass) most common glass. It is made of oxides of silicon (SiO2), calcium (CaO) and sodium(Na2O). cheap to make and can be made into a wide variety of shapes; medium resistance to high temperatures and sudden changes of temperature, fair resistance to corrosive chemicals. used to make bottles and windows.

Lead-alkali glass (also called lead glass)

lead oxide

(PbO) is used in place of calcium oxide.

more expensive than soda-lime glass; excellent electrical insulating properties; poor resistance to high temperatures and sudden changes of temperature.

used for electrical applications.

Borosilicate glass

appreciable resistance to high temperature or sudden changes in temperature; medium resistance to chemical attack. Moderate cost to make.

used for light bulbs, photochromic glasses, sealed-beam headlights, laboratory ware, and some bake ware products.

Alumino-silicate glass

alumina

(Al₂O₃) is added to the glass batch to improve the properties of the glass.

good resistance to high temperature or sudden changes in temperature; difficult to make.

used in electronics.

© NASA

Ninety-six percent silica glass special type of glass made by a proprietary method, at temperatures up to 900°C. used to furnace sight glasses, for outer windows on space vehicles.

Fused silica glass

only made of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) in the noncrystalline state.

expensive and difficult to make; maximum resistance to high temperature (900°C for extended periods, 1200°C for short periods).

used in special applications such as optical waveguides, crucibles for growing crystals.