Core/facility:
Scientific Glassblowing Laboratory (Glass Shop)
Glass facts
| Properties | Borosilicate (Pyrex, Kimax, Duran, Simax) | Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Coefficient of expansion ( x 10-7 cm/cm/°C) | 32.5 | 8.0 |
| Temperature limits | 230°C (normal use) 400°C (short-term use only) | 1000°C |
| Softening point | 821°C | 1580°C |
| Refractive index (at sodium D line) | 1.474 | 1.458 |
How to tell if an unknown glass is borosilicate without leaving the lab
- Borosilicate glass can be readily identified by its refractive index, 1.474.
- By immersing the glass in a container of a liquid of similar refractive index, the glass will disappear.
- Such liquids are:
- Mineral oil
- Dry benzene-methanol mixture, 84:16 (v/v) at room temperature
- Anhydrous glycerol
How to identify if an o-ring is viton
Viton floats in perchloroethylene. If it sinks, it’s not Viton.
| Porosity | Microns |
|---|---|
| Fine F | 4–5.5 |
| Medium M | 10–15 |
| Coarse C | 40–60 |
| Extra coarse XC | 170–220 |
Have a suggestion to add to this page? We'd love to hear it!