What are the disadvantages of borosilicate glass?

Disadvantages of Borosilicate Glass

While borosilicate glass is renowned for its superior durability and thermal resistance compared to regular soda-lime glass, it is not without its drawbacks. Below are some of the notable disadvantages associated with borosilicate glass.

1. Higher Cost

Borosilicate glass is more expensive to produce than ordinary glass due to the inclusion of boron trioxide, which adds to its thermal and chemical resistance. This increased production cost is often passed on to consumers, making borosilicate glass products more expensive.

2. Weight and Thickness

Due to its composition and the process required to enhance its durability, borosilicate glass tends to be thicker and heavier than its soda-lime counterpart. This can be a disadvantage in applications where weight and form factor are critical considerations.

3. Sensitivity to Thermal Shock

Although borosilicate glass is more resistant to thermal shock than regular glass, it is not completely immune. Sudden changes in temperature can still cause it to crack or shatter, especially if the glass has existing flaws or is subjected to extreme temperature variations.

4. Chemical Interaction

While borosilicate glass is resistant to many chemicals, it can still react with strong alkalis and hydrofluoric acid. This reactivity can limit its use in certain chemical applications where these substances are prevalent.

In summary, while borosilicate glass offers significant advantages in terms of durability and thermal resistance, its higher cost, increased weight and thickness, sensitivity to thermal shock, and potential for chemical interaction present notable disadvantages. These factors should be carefully considered when choosing materials for specific applications.