boorosilikaatti

Boorosilikaatti, also known as borosilicate glass, is a type of glass that contains boron trioxide. This addition significantly alters the glass's properties compared to conventional soda-lime glass. Its most notable characteristic is its low coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning it expands and contracts very little when subjected to temperature changes. This low thermal expansion makes borosilicate glass highly resistant to thermal shock, the stress that can cause materials to fracture when rapidly heated or cooled.

This resistance to thermal shock makes borosilicate glass ideal for applications where temperature fluctuations are common. It is widely used in laboratory glassware, such as beakers, flasks, and test tubes, because it can withstand being heated directly over a flame or placed in a hot oven. In the kitchen, borosilicate glass is favored for bakeware and cookware that can go from the freezer to the oven.

Beyond its thermal properties, borosilicate glass also exhibits good chemical resistance, making it less susceptible to corrosion from acids and other chemicals. This chemical inertness is another reason for its prevalence in scientific and industrial settings. It is also used in lighting, such as high-intensity discharge lamps, and in optical components due to its clarity and durability. The manufacturing process for borosilicate glass involves melting silica sand and boron compounds at high temperatures, followed by controlled cooling.