Why do we use Borosilicate Glass for Making Laboratory Glassware?
Laboratory Glassware is one such equipment where we cannot take any risks in it because various experiments and research would be carried out in them. So, this glassware is made of Borosilicate.
Now one may ask why do we prefer borosilicate material over any other glass material even though it is expensive. Borosilicate is quite superior in its features and material than any other glass because it is temperature and heat resistant. It withstands high and extreme conditions and doesn’t break even in those conditions.
It is resistant to many chemicals and the Boron in the borosilicate material makes sure there is no leaching in the glass. Borosilicate is also a thermal shock resistant where no matter how hot the liquid is; you could always pour into that material.
The Soda Lime Glass which is the commonly used glass material is a cheaper option than the borosilicate. A lot of companies use this type of material owing to its low cost but it has a lot of disadvantages. It breaks very quickly and it cannot resist high temperatures.
The coefficient of thermal expansion of borosilicate is high, thus even if you straight away place a borosilicate glass from the fridge to the oven, it would not crack. Such is the resistance of thermal shocks and rapid variations.
Always, prefer borosilicate laboratory glassware and purchase good quality ones. Do not buy anything which is not certified and graded.