What are the basic components?
Main oxides: The core framework is silicon dioxide (SiO₂), usually also containing aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and metal oxides such as lithium, magnesium, and calcium.
Structural characteristics: It is neither simple glass nor entirely ceramic, but rather formed by heating a base glass, resulting in the growth of numerous tiny crystals within it.
What are the differences in composition for different applications?
Heat-resistant materials: For example, the lithium aluminum silicon system (Li₂O-Al₂O₃-SiO₂), with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, suitable for heat-resistant cookware or mobile phone covers.
Electrically insulating materials: For example, the magnesium aluminum silicon system (MgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂), with excellent electrical properties, commonly used in electronic components.
Biomedical: Glass ceramics used in dental or bone repair often contain calcium oxide (CaO) and phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅), exhibiting bioactivity.
What's the difference between glass and ordinary glass?
Crystal content: The atoms in ordinary glass are arranged randomly, while glass ceramics have orderly crystals inside, making them stronger and more resilient.
Superior performance: Because it contains crystals, it is generally superior to ordinary glass in terms of strength, heat resistance, and chemical stability. It looks like glass but feels like ceramic.
