Glass

Types of Glass:
Glass containers are made from silica sand, soda ash, limestone, alumina and other additives as needed. There are three different types of glass.

Borosilicate Glass
A borosilicate formulation, this type is usually reserved for parenteral (injectable) products, particularly those that are alkaline in nature. It is 10 times more durable than soda glass. Borosilicate is one of the most popular used glasses. One reason for Borosilicate’s popularity is its low expansion coefficient; this characteristic allows the glass to resist breakage cause by temperature changes. The low expansion coefficient allows the glass to be used for such products and lab equipment, cookware and glassware.

Soda Lime Glass
A soda-lime glass treated with sulfur in the annealing phase to reduce alkali solubility. It is used for parenterals – sometimes alkaline, but more likely acidic or neutral. Soda Lime is another popular glass; this glass is typically used for drinking glasses, tableware, bottles, jars, and windowpanes. Soda Lime glass is composed of silica, calcium and soda, the more silica in the glass mix the greater the resistant to thermal shock, though dose not compare to Borosilicate’s thermal resistant.

Lead Glass
A regular soda lime (flint) glass that has been tested and shown to be at or below a specified extractives level. It is intended for more sensitive products, but usually is not used for parenterals. Lead Glass tends to be a softer glass, allowing for the glass to be cut showing off the glasses beauty. Lead glass tends not to with stand sudden temperature changes, or high temperatures. Lead glass is commonly used for glasses and decorative figurines.

Aluminosilicate
Other oxide additives
Glass-ceramics
Fibreglass