Borosilicate float glass finds use in a wide range of applications, including fire-resistant glazing, heat-resistant doors in pyrolytic ovens, impact-resistant glazing, diagnostic glass, and carrier wafers in semiconductor production.
The unique properties of borosilicate glass make these applications possible. For decades, it has been a staple in laboratories due to its chemical resistance and low thermal expansion coefficient. This provides excellent thermal shock and thermal gradient resistance, essential in harsh environments. Its high optical transmission and low autofluorescence make it ideal for optical and diagnostic uses. Additionally, its superior impact and scratch resistance open up further applications. The distinctive properties stem from the special composition and structure of borosilicate glass, which differs from the commonly used soda lime glass. In the end, the thermal, the mechanical, the chemical, and the optical properties are directly linked to the glass structure. The structure-property correlation in comparison to Soda Lime Glass will be explained in detail and enables the understanding of the suitability and therefore the materials choice for various applications.