The Basis of a Standard Test for the Chemical Durability of Glass Bottles

JSGT 1935 V19 T171-T188

 An outline record is presented of the leading features of the work involved in providing data on which to base a standard test for the chemical durability of glass in the form of containers. No satisfactory test appears possible which does not impose meticulous care both in the selection of test pieces and in the conditions of carrying out the test. The test pieces must be of both standard capacity and dimensions and it is well that the conditions both of annealing and of storage should be known. Constant conditions of treatment with water at or near the boiling point can best be obtained by immersion in steam from boiling water in a nearly closed boiler. Small variations of barometric pressure were found to be without sensible influence. It is shown that the amount of alkali extracted by water is proportional to the area of the surface exposed in the case of bottles varying from 1 to 20 oz nominal capacity, whilst the concentration of alkali in the extract constantly diminishes. Results are recorded illustrating the conditions which influence variations with individual bottles; the variation with different observers; and the effects of time of treatment by water, chemical composition, age and storage. The visible effects of corrosion, in particular, pitting, flaking and cracking are discussed in relation to glass composition and treatment.

W. E. S. Turner (Associated with H. S. Blackmore, V. Dimeleby, H. S. Y. Gill, H. W. Howes and W. J. A. Warren