Glass Aims: describe how sodium carbonate is used to make glass describe the role of transition metals and sodium carbonate in making glass describe aspects of safety, sustainability and effects on the environment of glass
Have you ever wandered? How is glass made and coloured? What are the problems of using glass?
Raw Materials Sand (silicon dioxide) But this melts at 2000oc so.. Sodium carbonate is added This lowers the melting point to 1000oc, but… This is very weak and can dissolve in water so… Calcium oxide (lime) is also added
Other types of glass Crystal Plus potassium oxide an lead oxide Refracts light differently
Pyrex Boron Low expansion rate so less cracks form
Other types Fibre glass – loft insulation Glass ceramic – cooker tops Crown glass – lenses
What are the most abundant elements on Earth? Oxygen Silicon Aluminium Iron Calcium Sodium Potassium Magnesium Titanium Hydrogen