Properties of glass are mainly governed by the factors such as composition of constituents, state of the surface, thermal treatment, dimensions of the object, etc. Glass has been popular and useful due to the following properties:
- It has no sharp melting point and no definite crystalline structure.
- It is capable to absorb, refract or transmit light.
- At elevated temperatures it acts as an excellent electrical insulator.
- It can take up high polish and can be used as a substitute for any costly gem.
- It is not affected by air or water.
- It can not be attacked by ordinary chemical agents.
- It can be altered to meet certain requirements by changing fusibility, hardness, refractive power, etc.
- It is transparent and translucent.
- It is possible to weld pieces of glass by fusion.
- It is affected by alkalis.
- Based on the advanced technology, it is possible to make glass lighter than cork or softer than cotton.
- The only drawback is that it is brittle.
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