Material Analysis: Differences Between Quartz Glass and Borosilicate Glass Sheets

Material Analysis: Differences Between Quartz Glass and Borosilicate Glass Sheets

Industry News — Glass sheets are indispensable basic materials widely used in laboratories, industrial manufacturing and optical industries. Quartz glass sheets and high borosilicate glass sheets are two mainstream types with similar appearances but huge differences in material composition, physical properties and application scenarios. Clear distinction between them can effectively optimize material selection for industrial and scientific research production.

In terms of material composition, quartz glass is a special industrial glass made of high-purity silica. Its silicon dioxide content reaches 99.99%, with almost no impurity elements. It is manufactured through high-temperature melting under vacuum conditions. By contrast, high borosilicate glass is an ordinary composite glass. Its main components include 78% to 80% silica and 12% to 13.5% boron trioxide, along with a small amount of alkali metal additives to reduce production costs.

The compositional gap leads to completely different performance parameters. Quartz glass boasts outstanding high-temperature resistance, with a long-term working temperature up to 1100°C. It features an ultra-low thermal expansion coefficient, which enables it to withstand extreme cold and heat alternation without cracking. Besides, it has excellent ultraviolet transmittance and stable chemical inertia, resisting corrosion from most strong acids. However, high borosilicate glass has a maximum service temperature of merely 450°C. Its thermal expansion coefficient is six times higher than that of quartz glass. Although it is resistant to daily chemical corrosion, it cannot endure high-temperature strong acid environments. In addition, it fails to transmit ultraviolet rays effectively.

Their application directions are clearly differentiated in the market. With premium performance, quartz glass is positioned as a high-end industrial material. It is widely applied in semiconductor production, ultraviolet optical instruments, aerospace sensors and high-temperature experimental furnaces. It also serves as core accessories in precision medical detection equipment. High borosilicate glass is a cost-effective daily and laboratory material. It is commonly made into laboratory beakers, chemical test tubes, household heat-resistant tableware and pharmaceutical packaging bottles. It meets the demands of conventional low-temperature and normal-pressure usage scenarios.

Industry analysts pointed out that the two glass materials have no absolute superiority. Users should select materials based on actual working conditions. For extreme environments such as high temperature, strong ultraviolet rays and severe temperature changes, quartz glass is the only reliable choice. For conventional daily use and common chemical experiments, high borosilicate glass is more economical and practical. With the development of advanced manufacturing, the market demand for high-purity quartz glass is continuously rising, while borosilicate glass remains dominant in civilian and basic laboratory markets.