What is Borosilicate Glass and Why it is Better?

What is Borosilicate Glass?

Many people aren’t aware that glass comes in different formulations. Borosilicate is a distinct type made with high levels of silica and boron trioxide. Because these non-toxic, eco-safe ingredients are used, borosilicate glass withstands heat far better than most other glass products.

What is Borosilicate Glass made of?

Borosilicate glass is produced by mixing boron trioxide with silica sand, soda ash, and alumina. Since these materials melt at different temperatures, it took a long time for manufacturers to master its production. Even now, they employ several techniques, including molding, tube drawing, and the float method.

What is the difference between borosilicate glass and soda-lime glass?

The glass you encounter most often is soda-lime — used in everything from window glass to storage jars — and it makes up about 90% of global glass production.
What sets soda-lime apart from borosilicate is chiefly their compositions. Soda-lime glass usually has about 69% silicon dioxide, whereas borosilicate is around 80.6%. It also contains far less boron trioxide: roughly 1% versus about 13% in borosilicate.

A number of properties distinguish borosilicate from standard soda-lime glass. It tolerates rapid temperature changes, so you can pour boiling water into a borosilicate pitcher without it cracking. It’s harder, allowing fabrication into more intricate forms. And it resists acid attack more effectively, which is why it’s a staple in chemistry laboratories.

Why is Borosilicate Glass better?

Compared with conventional soda‑lime glass, borosilicate outperforms it on many counts.
- Heat tolerance: Because its coefficient of thermal expansion is roughly half that of soda‑lime glass, borosilicate changes size far less when heated and is much less prone to cracking.
- Strength: It is significantly harder and tougher, which makes it a smart choice for a travel water bottle.
- Formability: Borosilicate can be worked into more intricate shapes than regular glass. Manufacturers use it to build vacuum‑insulated containers that keep beverages hot or cold, and it’s a great option for durable, sustainable bottles that are long‑lasting and free of BPA.
- Chemical resistance: It stands up well to acids, unlike soda‑lime glass. Since beer is about pH 3.3, borosilicate is the safer vessel for it than ordinary glass.