Question

What is glass blowing? Which type of glass is suitable for that purpose? Why?

Short answer

Answer: The most suitable type of glass for glass blowing is soda-lime glass because it has a lower melting point, making it easier to work with. It also has greater workability, stability, durability, and is a cost-effective option due to its readily available and less expensive raw materials.

Step-by-step solution

Define Glass Blowing

Glass blowing is an art form and a technique used to shape molten glass into various forms of art and functional objects such as vases, cups, and decoration pieces. The process involves heating the glass to a high temperature until it reaches a molten state, then blowing air into it through a long tube called a blowpipe to shape the glass into the desired form.

Identify the Suitable Type of Glass

The most suitable type of glass for glass blowing is soda-lime glass. Soda-lime glass is composed of silica (silicon dioxide), soda (sodium carbonate), and lime (calcium oxide). This type of glass is made up of approximately 70% silica, 15% soda, and 9% lime, with the remaining 6% including other trace elements and additives.

Explain the Reason for the Suitability of Soda-Lime Glass

Soda-lime glass is suitable for glass blowing for several reasons: 1. Lower melting point: Soda-lime glass has a lower melting point (around 1500 degrees Celsius) compared to pure silica glass (which melts at 1700 degrees Celsius). This makes it easier to work with, as it requires less energy to heat and maintain the molten state during the glass-blowing process. 2. Greater workability: Soda-lime glass remains in a workable state (viscosity) over a wider temperature range than other types of glass. This property allows glassblowers more time to shape the glass into their desired forms without it becoming too brittle or solid. 3. Stability and durability: Soda-lime glass, while soft and pliable when heated, becomes stable and durable once it cools, making it suitable for creating various art pieces and functional objects that can withstand daily use. 4. Cost-effective: The raw materials used to create soda-lime glass are more readily available and less expensive than the raw materials for other types of glass, making it a more cost-effective option for glass blowing.