Borosilicate Glass
A low thermal expansion glass with excellent thermal shock resistance and optical clarity, used in automotive lighting, sensors, and specialised glazing.
Overview
Borosilicate glass contains silica and boron trioxide as main components, giving it a very low coefficient of thermal expansion (~3.3 × 10⁻⁶/°C) compared to standard soda-lime glass. This confers outstanding resistance to thermal shock. In automotive applications, borosilicate glass is used in high-intensity discharge and LED headlamp envelopes, optical sensors, LiDAR windows, and laboratory-grade instrumentation in vehicle testing. Its superior optical transmission, chemical durability, and ability to withstand rapid temperature cycling make it irreplaceable in lighting and sensing applications where soda-lime glass would crack under thermal stress.
Automotive Applications
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Properties
Category
Type
Technical Glass
Available Colors
Available Forms
Key Properties
- Very low thermal expansion
- Excellent thermal shock resistance
- High optical clarity
- Chemical resistance
- Good UV transmission
- Electrically insulating
Technical Specifications
Density
2.23 g/cm³
Temperature Resistance
Up to 500°C continuous; 820°C softening point
Sustainability
Sustainability Rating
Borosilicate glass is recyclable but must be separated from soda-lime glass streams. Its long service life in lighting applications reduces replacement frequency.