There are 4 main types of glass, with slight differences to their physical and chemical properties. The 4 types are Borosilicate Glass, Commercial Glass, Glass Fiber and Lead Glass.
Borosilicate Glass – Borosilicate glass consists largely of silica (70 – 80 percent) and boric oxide (7 – 13 percent), with small amounts of sodium, potassium and aluminum oxides. Because of its low alkali content this type of glass resists thermal shock and won’t shatter easily when subjected to changes in temperature. It is these properties that make items made from Borosilicate glass excellent as ovenware. Pyrex products are prime examples of Borosilicate glass.
Commercial Glass – This is the most commonly seen glass as it is what most drinking glasses, window panes, bottles and jars are made of. Commercial glass consists mainly of sand and it is usually colorless, making it the ideal glass for windows and other items that allow light to shine through. Commercial glass is reasonably easy to recycle as the end material, cullet, can be added to a batch of new glass mixture.
Commercial Glass – This is the most commonly seen glass as it is what most drinking glasses, window panes, bottles and jars are made of. Commercial glass consists mainly of sand and it is usually colorless, making it the ideal glass for windows and other items that allow light to shine through. Commercial glass is reasonably easy to recycle as the end material, cullet, can be added to a batch of new glass mixture.
Glass Fiber – Glass fiber is particularly versatile and is the type of glass that is used to make the likes of medical equipment, but with slight changes to its composition it can also be used as roofing insulation. It can also be used in the textile industry, and is used in the reinforced plastics that helmets are made out of. Reinforced plastics are also used for piping, car chassis and exhausts, boats, rope and a large number of other items.
Lead Glass – Commonly known as lead crystal, lead glass is most often used in the creation of beautifully decorative glass objects such as heavy wine glasses, whiskey decanters, flower vases and fruit bowls. In order for glass to be classed as lead glass it must contain at least 24 percent lead oxide. Glass that contains less than 24 percent is known as crystal glass. Its brilliant shine and ability to be decorated makes it attractive and sought after. Lead glass containing 65 percent or more lead oxide has the ability to be used as a shield against radiation because of lead’s ability to absorb gamma rays.