4.2c Glass Notes

Glass in Design

Understanding Glass: Properties and Uses

1. Glass is a unique material with many different properties that make it useful in construction, packaging, technology, and design.
2. Think of it like a superhero material—strong in some ways but fragile in others, and with different “powers” depending on its composition.

Color and Composition

1. Glass can change color when metallic oxides (special chemicals) are added.
   1. Different elements create different colors:
      1. Iron makes glass green.

1. Sulfur makes it yellow or brown.

1. Copper makes it blue.

1. Chromium gives a deep green shade.

1. Example: Stained glass windows in churches or colored glass bottles (like green wine bottles) are made using these additives.

Transparency

1. One of glass’s best features is that it lets light through, making it ideal for windows, skylights, and display cases.

1. It’s widely used in architecture to bring in natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

1. Example: Transparent glass is used in storage containers so you can see what’s inside without opening them.

Strength and Brittleness

1. Glass has high compressive strength (it can handle a lot of weight pressing down on it), but low tensile strength (it breaks easily if pulled or bent).
2. It’s brittle, meaning it can shatter easily, but this can be reduced with special treatments:
   1. Tempered glass is heated and cooled rapidly to make it stronger (used in car windows and shower doors).

1. Laminated glass has layers that hold it together when cracked (used in car windshields for safety).

Hardness

1. Glass is resistant to scratching, making it ideal for smartphone screens (like Gorilla Glass) and other surfaces that need to stay smooth and clear.

1. It’s also used for high-durability applications, like watch faces and protective eyewear.

Nonporous and Chemically Inert

1. Glass doesn’t absorb liquids or react with most chemicals, making it perfect for food storage and lab equipment.
2. It’s used in chemical-resistant lab glassware (like beakers) and airtight jars for storing food.

Types of Glass and Their Uses

1. Glass isn’t just one type—it comes in different forms, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
2. Think of it like different types of fabric: some are soft and stretchy, some are tough and durable, and others are made for special uses.

Annealed Glass (Basic Glass)

1. The most common and untreated type of glass.