Mac&Mac Buyer's Guide - glass

type: amorphous solid

chemical name: Si02

source:
Manufactured using principal component: silica

properties:
Hard, transparent, brittle solid. Soda-lime glass accounts for around 90% of glass production, with the addition of sodium carbonate and calcium oxide obtained from limestone, as well as magnesium oxide and aluminium oxide for chemical durability. Other additions include lead for brilliance, boron for its thermal properties (Pyrex) and iron for heat insulation in lenses.

manufacture:
Components are mixed, heated in a furnace and the resulting liquid is flat cooled for windows and mirrors or blown or pressed for bottles, lighting and glassware. The surface may be treated to improve the durability, strength (toughened glass , bulletproof glass , windscreens), or optical properties (insulated glazing, anti-reflective coating). In mirrors , a reflective coating ("silver") is applied to the back of the glass .

care:
Ensure wall mirror fixings are secure and position floor mirrors in a safe place. Avoid placing hot or heavy objects directly onto glass surfaces. Wash with warm soapy water and wipe mirrors with a damp cloth. To avoid streaks, add a drop of vinegar to the water and use crumpled-up newspaper to wipe it down.

uses:
Bottles, lighting , windows, furniture, glassware, eyewear, laboratory equipment, lenses, windscreens, mirrors .

suitable for:
Contemporary indoor furniture: dining tables , coffee tables , trolleys , shelves, display cases, console tables . Also lighting , mirrors and stained glass window features.