News Detail
Borosilicate Glass vs. Quartz Glass: A Comparative Overview
In industrial, laboratory, and consumer applications, borosilicate glass and quartz glass are two of the most commonly used high-performance materials. Both are known for their durability and thermal resistance, yet they differ significantly in composition, performance, and cost. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right material for specific needs.
1. Composition and Manufacturing
Borosilicate glass is made primarily of silica (SiO₂) and boron trioxide (B₂O₃). It typically contains about 80% silica and has a low thermal expansion coefficient, making it resistant to thermal shock.
Quartz glass, on the other hand, is composed of pure silica (over 99.9%) and is made either by melting natural quartz or through synthetic methods. This purity gives it exceptional optical clarity and extreme temperature tolerance.
2. Thermal and Chemical Resistance
Quartz glass withstands much higher temperatures—up to 1100–1200°C—compared to borosilicate glass, which usually maxes out around 500–600°C. Both resist chemical corrosion well, but quartz is more inert, making it ideal for high-purity environments like semiconductor or pharmaceutical industries.
3. Optical Properties
Quartz glass offers excellent ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) transmission, making it suitable for optical lenses, UV lamps, and spectroscopy. Borosilicate is transparent in the visible range but limited in UV transmission.
4. Cost and Applications
Borosilicate is significantly more affordable and widely used in laboratory glassware, cookware, and lighting. Quartz glass is more expensive but necessary for high-end applications like precision optics, semiconductor manufacturing, and high-temperature reactors.
Conclusion
Choose borosilicate glass for cost-effective, everyday thermal resistance. Opt for quartz glass when purity, extreme heat resistance, or UV transparency is critical.
