The main components of glass are silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and other oxides, such as sodium oxide (Na₂O), calcium oxide (CaO), etc. The main components of ordinary glass include:
Silicon dioxide (SiO₂): about 70% to 75%, it is the basic component of glass, giving glass hardness and transparency.
Sodium oxide (Na₂O): about 15% to 20%, which helps to lower the melting point and viscosity of glass, making it easier to shape.
Calcium oxide (CaO): about 5% to 10%, increasing the stability of glass.
In addition, the composition of glass can be adjusted according to different uses to form various special glasses. For example:
Quartz glass: The main component is pure silicon dioxide (SiO₂), which has extremely high heat resistance and chemical stability, and is used in semiconductor manufacturing and optical instruments.
Borosilicate glass: Contains boron oxide (B₂O₃), has low expansion coefficient and high temperature resistance, and is commonly used in laboratory utensils and heat-resistant glass products.
Lead glass: Contains lead oxide (PbO), has a high refractive index and the ability to block X-rays, and is used in optical instruments and protective glass.
The glass manufacturing process involves melting raw materials such as quartz sand, soda ash (sodium carbonate) and limestone, and cooling them to form an amorphous solid with an irregular structure. This process gives glass the characteristics of amorphous inorganic non-metallic materials and is widely used in construction, furniture, containers and other fields.
