ANZAPLAN has its article “The importance of glass in chemistry” published in the GIT Laboratory Journal. The GIT Laboratory Journal features overview articles on the latest research in spectroscopy, chromatography, lab automation, lab IT and lab equipment.
The article provides examples of different ways the glass can be “attacked” and how to analyze it in the laboratory to determine the suitability of the glass for the different industrial applications. Glass is commonly used for many different applications such as float glass (windows, receptacles, domestic glassware) and in more special applications such as optical glass (in pair of glasses, binoculars, microscopes). It finds abundant use due to its stability. Not every glass can be used in any application, however.
As testwork is important for evaluating the applicability of a raw material as a feed material for glass production, so is laboratory analyses of the glass product for determining the suitability of a glass for different applications. The following are topics which are discussed in the article: 1) "Glass attack" by water - glass container intended to be used for pharmaceutical purposes must prove that the jars are resistant to “attack by water”. 2) Glass corrosion from acid - Glass is resistant to acids, but corrosion may still occur. The laboratory tests, to determine the extent of corrosion caused by acids, is especially relevant for preserving jars (e.g. pickles), wine glasses and also glass vessels used in the chemical industry that are in contact with acids. 3) Glass corrosion from alkalis – An alkali "glass attack" (pH >9) is much stronger because the alkali will never be used up and the reaction could continue "forever".
The article emphasizes the importance of chemistry in the glass industry and demonstrates that “glass attacks” and glass corrosion should be considered.
Glass tests are performed at ANZAPLAN with state-of-the-art analytical equipment.
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.