glaskompositioner

Glaskompositioner refers to the chemical composition of glass, describing the proportion of oxides and other elements that make up a glass material. The composition is usually expressed in weight percent or molar percent and determines the structure of the glass network, which in turn governs its properties.

The main components are network formers, network modifiers, and intermediates. Network formers such as SiO2 (silica), B2O3 (boron trioxide) and P2O5 create a continuous glass network. Network modifiers, including Na2O, K2O, CaO and MgO, disrupt the network by introducing non-bridging oxygens, which lowers viscosity and the glass transition temperature and alters thermal expansion and durability. Intermediates like Al2O3 and TiO2 can modify properties such as chemical resistance and thermal stability. Colorants (transition metal oxides and sulfides) and refining agents may be added to control color and bubble removal.

Common glass families illustrate how composition shapes performance. Soda-lime glass uses sodium oxide and calcium oxide with high silica content and is widely used for windows and bottles. Borosilicate glass replaces part of the network with B2O3 to improve thermal resistance. Lead glass contains PbO to enhance refractive index and workability. Aluminosilicate and phosphate glasses offer alternative properties for specialized applications.

In practice, glaskompositioner are chosen to balance melting temperature, viscosity, mechanical strength, chemical durability, and optical or thermal properties for the intended use. Tuning the ratio of formers to modifiers, or adding colorants and stabilizers, enables customization. Composition is typically documented on an oxide basis in mol% or wt%, with quality specifications and processing requirements. Analytical methods such as XRF or ICP-OES are used to verify composition.