sodalime

Soda-lime glass, commonly referred to simply as soda-lime, is the most widely produced type of glass for general use. It is an amorphous, non-crystalline solid made primarily from silica (silicon dioxide) with soda ash (sodium carbonate) as a flux and lime (calcium oxide) to stabilize the structure. In typical commercial formulations, silica is the major component, followed by a significant portion of soda ash and a smaller proportion of lime, with minor additions of alumina, magnesia, and other oxides to tailor properties.

Manufacturing involves melting the batch in a furnace to a viscous molten state, then forming the glass by blowing, pressing, or, for flat glass, the float process, which creates uniform sheets. Recycled glass, or cullet, is often added to reduce energy consumption and improve yield.

Properties of soda-lime glass include clarity and relatively low production cost, along with good workability. Its chemical durability is moderate: it resists water and many neutral environments but can be attacked by strong acids or alkalis under certain conditions. The glass can be tinted with colorants to reduce transmission of light or to achieve specific aesthetics.

Applications are broad and include bottles and jars for packaging, as well as windows and architectural glazing. The float glass process, developed in the mid-20th century, enabled the mass production of high-quality flat soda-lime glass.

Recycling is common, with cullet helping to reduce energy use in production. Safety considerations mainly involve standard industrial hygiene concerns, such as handling silica-containing materials and dust.