Low-iron glass
Low-iron glass is a type of high-clarity glass that is made from silica with very low amounts of iron. This low level of iron removes the greenish-blue tint that can be seen especially on larger and thicker sizes of glass.[1] Low-iron glass is used for aquariums, display cases, some windows, and other applications where clarity is desired.
Low-iron glass typically has a ferric oxide content of about 0.01%.[1] Ordinary plate glass has about 10x as much iron content. Low-iron glass is made from low-iron silica sand. In the United States, the primary sources for such sand are in Wisconsin.[2]
Fallingwater, a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1939, was one of the first houses to use low-iron glass for windows.[3]
Low iron glass is widely used in solar panels.[4]
Low-iron glass is sold under various brand names. Guardian Industries calls it "Ultrawhite".[5] Pilkington calls it "Optiwhite".[6] PPG Industries calls it "Starphire".[7] Other brand names include "Starlite", "Krystal Klear", "Diamant" and "Eurowhite".
References
- 1 2 YANG Jing-kai; AN Xue-hui; LIU Yan-li; ZHAO Hong-li (April 2009). "Analysis and Calculation of Melting Performance for the Low-iron Glass". College of Materials Science and Engineering, Yanshan University,Qinhuangdao.
- ↑ "Map showing high-purity silica sand of Middle Ordovician age in the Midwestern states". United States Geological Survey. 1979.
- ↑ Patricia Lowry, Patricia (November 17, 2009). "Legacy fund to help Fallingwater windows". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- ↑ "Low Iron Glass: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2015 to 2021". WinterGreen Research. Mar 5, 2015.
- ↑ "UltraWhite Low-Iron Glass". Guardian Industries. April 17, 2016.
- ↑ "Pilkington Optiwhite™". Pilkington. April 17, 2016.
- ↑ "Starphire Ultra-Clear™ glass.". PPG Industries. April 17, 2016.