How is glass made? Science

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(Edited)


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Glass has become one of our most utilitarian objects. Many of our daily necessities are made of glass. Teacups, eyeglasses, plates, lenses, bottles, etc. We naturally understand that without the invention of glass we could not have used such beautiful furniture. The fact that we go in front of the mirror every day and adorn ourselves would not have been possible if glasses had not been invented. So glass plays an essential role in many sectors of life.

People are quite surprised when they hear that glass is made from sand. They are curious and ask how this is possible. The fact that sand is the main ingredient in glass-making amazes them. I wrote this post to satisfy their curiosity. Besides, it is very important to know the most used glass-making techniques.

If you read the linked article you will know a lot about glass. This article states that glass has been used by humans for thousands of years. The Egyptians practiced glassmaking and produced glass between 2500 BC and 2600 BC. From this, we understand that glass-making technology and glass were invented in ancient times. However, the glassware of that time was very luxurious and could only be used by the aristocracy. Glass was also used as a building material by ancient people. There is evidence that glass was used to make decorative windows in buildings.

Today the world has the latest technology for making glass. There is enough material to make glass. The labor required to make glass in ancient times is no longer necessary in this age. That is why glassware is so cheap today. Due to skilled manpower and proper management, we are able to produce and use the right quality glass.

From this post on a website, it is known that silicon dioxide is needed to make glass. Its source is silica sand. Silica sand should contain at least more than 35% silicon dioxide. The purity of sand is very important here. The purer the sand, the better the quality of the glass. Sand is collected from a sand source that contains more than 95% silicon dioxide. Then it is taken to the factory.


Silica sand source

Glass is not only made from sand, but all glass-making ingredients have to be mixed in proper proportion. All the materials required to make glass are silica sand (SiO2), dolomite (MgO), sodium oxide (Na2O) from soda ash, calcium oxide (CaO) from dolomite, and feldspar (Al2O3). These ingredients are thoroughly mixed and fed to the furnace. At this time the temperature of the furnace is 1500 degrees Celsius. You can understand how high the temperature is.


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At such high temperatures, the material melts and looks like volcanic lava. After that it is poured into the mold and given the specific shape. Again, the molten glass can be turned into different shapes by rotating it at medium speed. Artists can turn glass at will to give them the shape they want and marble can be made in the same way. It is coated on the back to make a reflective glass or mirror. And chemicals are used to color the glass in different colors

This is how your home's teacups and windowpanes are made. As you sit by the window sipping a cup of tea, you should always think of the process of making glass. You'd be hard-pressed to believe that these glittering beauties are made of sand. In fact, raw materials are collected from nature to make any beautiful thing. Processing them gives it a beautiful shape and grace that is incredible.


References :


https://www.aisglass.com/glass-made-step-step-process/
https://www.pfsaggregates.com/2021/04/07/how-silica-sand-is-used-in-glass-manufacturing/

Thanks for reading

Best regards




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3 comments
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One thing I am sure is glass is made similar to how gold is made. Been refined and mould I mean

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We used to live in Crieff, Scotland. In the town there was a place which made glass ornaments and items. On occasion I would go an watch them shape and blow glass.
Always an impressive thing to watch.

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