How to Choose “Glassware”? Comparing the Differences Between Borosilicate and Soda-lime Glass

When it comes to laboratory equipment, “glassware” is often one of the first things people think of—from beakers and Florence flasks to test tubes. But have you ever wondered why some glassware can be placed directly over a flame, while others may crack easily when exposed to rapid temperature changes? The answer lies in the “type of glass” used in their manufacture.

Choosing the right type of glass for your application isn't just about extending equipment lifespan and saving money; it's also a crucial factor for experimental safety. Today, we're going to delve into the differences between the two most commonly used types of glass in the lab: Borosilicate And Soda-lime

Meet Borosilicate Glass: The Champion of Durability

Borosilicate glass is a special type of glass containing boron trioxide, which gives it unique properties that ordinary glass lacks. Well-known brands like Pyrex® and DURAN® are examples of products made from this type of glass.

Key Properties:

• High Heat Resistance and Thermal Shock Resistance: With a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, this type of glass doesn't expand or contract quickly when temperatures change. This allows it to withstand direct heating and rapid cooling without cracking.
• Excellent Chemical Resistance: It possesses excellent resistance to corrosion from a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. This makes it ideal for analytical and research work that involves contact with harsh chemicals.
• Clarity and Strength: It has high clarity and is strong and durable against scratches.

Appropriate Uses: These include equipment that needs to withstand direct heat, such as beakers, round-bottom flasks, Erlenmeyer flasks, test tubes, and equipment requiring high chemical resistance.

Meet Soda-Lime Glass: The Choice for General Use

Soda-lime glass is the most common type of glass found in daily life, from beverage bottles to window panes. It's also used in laboratories, but its use is restricted to applications that don't involve harsh conditions.

Key Properties:

• Limited Heat Resistance: It cannot withstand rapid temperature changes. If heated directly or cooled suddenly, it carries a high risk of cracking or shattering.
• Moderate Chemical Resistance: It offers good resistance to common chemicals, but is not suitable for long-term exposure to highly corrosive chemicals.
• Lower Cost: It has a significantly lower production cost compared to Borosilicate glass.

Appropriate Uses: Equipment that doesn't require heat, such as reagent bottles, Petri dishes, microscope slides, stirring rods, and some types of pipettes.

Comparison Table: Borosilicate vs. Soda-lime Glass

Summary: How to Choose the Most Suitable Option

The decision on which type of glass to choose isn't about which one is "better," but rather "what will it be used for?"

• Choose Borosilicate: Choose Borosilicate: Choose Borosilicate:Heating, boiling, mixing highly reactive chemicals, or requires maximum durability.
• Choose Soda-lime: When your work is performed at: Room temperaturegeneral use, storing non-corrosive substances, or when budget control is needed for certain equipment.

Choosing the correct type of glassware isn't just about lab safety; it also helps save money in the long run. MIT Trade We offer laboratory glassware and plasticware in both Borosilicate and Soda-lime types to meet all your application needs. Our experts are ready to provide consultation, ensuring you get the most suitable equipment.