Pyrex


Pyrex is a brand name of borosilicate glass introduced by Corning Glass Works in 1924. Though borosilicates had been produced before, the name Pyrex is widely used as a synonym for the material. In the 1990s Corning spun off its kitchenware division, and the Pyrex brand is now owned by World Kitchens, Inc.

Manufacturing process

Pyrex is created by adding boron to the traditional glassmaker's "frit" of silicate sand, soda, and ground lime. Since Pyrex melts at a higher temperature than ordinary silicate glass, some new techniques were required to bring Pyrex into industrial production. Borrowing from the welding trade, new burners combining oxygen with natural gas were required.
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Properties

The boron gives borosilicate glass a reduced thermal expansion coefficient (about one-third that of ordinary glass). This reduces material stresses caused by temperature gradients, thus making it more resistant to breaking.

Melting Point: Pyrex Softens or Slumps at 1500 °F / 816 °C

Pyrex is also less dense than ordinary glass. Another useful characteristic of Pyrex is that when broken, it tends to crack into large pieces rather than shattering (it will snap rather than splinter).

http://www.pyrex.com/




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