Chemical properties of tempered glass

(1) Chemical Stability: Tempered glass belongs to the SiO2-Na2O-CaO series of silicate glasses, exhibiting high chemical stability and resistance to corrosion from most inorganic acids and organic solvents.

It is chemically inert to water, ethanol, oils, and weak acids (acetic acid). Reaction with strong acids (such as HF and hot H3PO4) may lead to corrosion or etching. It has poor resistance to strong alkalis (NaOH, KOH).

 

(2) Chemical Resistance:

Acid Resistance: Insoluble in common weak acids; however, it can be strongly corroded by hydrofluoric acid (HF).

Alkali Resistance: Easily corroded by alkaline solutions, resulting in surface roughness and damage to the compressive stress structure.

Salt Resistance: Stable to most salt solutions.

Organic Solvent Resistance: Unaffected by alcohols, ketones, and other solvents.

 

(3) Weather Resistance and Environmental Stability: Stable in humid and hot environments, it does not easily age or discolor under ultraviolet light and does not produce harmful decomposition products. Therefore, it is widely used in building exterior walls, solar glass, and other long-term outdoor environments.

 

(4) Effects of Chemical Erosion on Strength

Although tempered glass itself has high mechanical strength, once its surface compressive stress layer is chemically eroded (by strong alkalis, HF), it will lead to: shrinkage of the stress layer thickness; reduced impact resistance; and induction of delayed cracking or stress instability. Therefore, contact with highly corrosive media should be avoided during use.

 

(5) Thermal Decomposition
Temperature glass is an inorganic solid and will not decompose at high temperatures. Instead, its viscosity will decrease sharply at around 700 °C, eventually returning to a softenable and malleable state without producing chemical decomposition products.