Which property of borosilicate glass makes it suitable for thermal shock resistance?

Thermal Shock Resistance of Borosilicate Glass:

Borosilicate glass is renowned for its exceptional ability to withstand thermal shock, which is the resistance to sudden changes in temperature. This property is crucial in applications where the glass must endure rapid heating and cooling without cracking or breaking.

Analysis of Options:

• Option 1: High transparency
  • While borosilicate glass does have high transparency, this property does not contribute to its thermal shock resistance. High transparency is more related to the optical clarity and visibility through the glass.
• Option 2: High refractive index
  • The refractive index of borosilicate glass affects how it bends light, which is important for optical applications. However, it does not influence the glass's ability to withstand rapid temperature changes.
• Option 3: Low density
  • Low density refers to the mass per unit volume of the glass. While lower density can be advantageous for certain applications due to reduced weight, it is not directly related to thermal shock resistance.
• Option 4: Low thermal expansion coefficient
  • This is the correct option. The low thermal expansion coefficient of borosilicate glass means that it does not expand or contract significantly with changes in temperature. This property is crucial for thermal shock resistance because it minimizes the stress and strain that occur during rapid temperature fluctuations, thereby preventing the glass from cracking or breaking.

Conclusion:

• The property of borosilicate glass that makes it suitable for thermal shock resistance is its low thermal expansion coefficient.