Soda-lime glass
Soda-lime glass, also called soda–lime–silica glass, is the most common type of glass, accounting for about 90% of manufactured glass products. It is widely used for windows, bottles, jars, and many other everyday items.
It is made primarily from three main ingredients:
- Silica (SiO) is the primary component, making up about 70-75% of the glass. It provides the structure and transparency.
- Soda (Sodium Oxide, NaO) derived from sodium carbonate (soda ash) lowers the melting point of the silica, making it easier to form the glass.
- Lime (Calcium Oxide, CaO) derived from limestone, is added to improve the chemical durability of the glass and prevent it from dissolving in water.
Other minor ingredients, such as alumina (AlO), magnesium oxide (MgO), and sometimes small amounts of other oxides, are added to enhance specific properties like durability, color, and resistance to weathering.
Soda-lime glass is clear and colourless in its pure form but can be tinted with the addition of metal oxides. It is relatively easy to melt and shape, making it ideal for mass production. The raw materials are abundant and inexpensive, making soda-lime glass affordable.
However, soda-lime glass is not very resistant to thermal shock or sudden changes in temperature, which can cause it to crack or shatter. It also has a relatively low resistance to chemicals and scratches compared to other types of glass, such as borosilicate glass.
NB Archaeological Evidence for Glassworking, Guidelines for Recovering, Analysing and Interpreting Evidence, published by Historic England in 2018, suggests that soda-lime glass: ‘Includes soda-ash and natron glass. Soda-lime glass is typical of the Iron Age, Roman and much of the early medieval periods, and also from around the 19th century.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.