You’re running a laboratory and need glassware that can withstand wear and tear. What are your best options?

1 Borosilicate glass

Borosilicate glass is one of the most common and versatile types of glassware in laboratories. It’s made of silica and boron oxide, which give it a low coefficient of thermal expansion. This means it can resist sudden changes in temperature without cracking or shattering. Borosilicate glass is also resistant to most acids, bases, and organic solvents. It’s ideal for heating, boiling, distilling, and storing liquids and gases. However, borosilicate glass is not very resistant to alkaline solutions, hydrofluoric acid, or strong phosphoric acid. It can also be scratched or etched by abrasive materials.

2 Quartz glass

Quartz glass is another type of glassware that can withstand high temperatures and thermal shocks. It’s made of pure silica, which gives it a very low thermal expansion and a high melting point. Quartz glass can also transmit ultraviolet and infrared light, making it useful for spectroscopy and other optical applications. However, quartz glass is very expensive and brittle. It can break easily if dropped or hit. It’s also susceptible to devitrification, which is the formation of crystals on the surface of the glass that reduce its transparency and strength.

3 Soda-lime glass

Soda-lime glass is the cheapest and most widely used type of glassware in general applications. It’s made of silica, sodium oxide, and calcium oxide, which give it a high coefficient of thermal expansion. This means it can expand and contract with temperature changes, but it can also crack or shatter if exposed to sudden or extreme temperature variations. Soda-lime glass is also not very resistant to acids, bases, or solvents. It can corrode or dissolve over time. It’s mainly used for disposable or non-critical items, such as test tubes, pipettes, and petri dishes.

4 Aluminosilicate glass

Aluminosilicate glass is a type of glassware that combines the properties of borosilicate and quartz glass. It’s made of silica and aluminum oxide, which give it a low thermal expansion and a high resistance to thermal shocks. Aluminosilicate glass can also withstand high pressures and mechanical stresses. It’s resistant to most chemicals, except for hydrofluoric acid and hot phosphoric acid. It’s used for high-performance applications, such as autoclaves, pressure vessels, and thermometers. However, aluminosilicate glass is also very expensive and difficult to manufacture.

5 Choosing the right glassware

As you can see, there are different types of glassware that can suit your laboratory needs. The best option depends on several factors, such as the temperature, pressure, chemical composition, and optical properties of the substances you’re working with. You also need to consider the cost, availability, and durability of the glassware. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions when using and handling glassware. By choosing the right glassware, you can ensure the quality and accuracy of your laboratory results.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?