Characteristics and Applications of High Borosilicate Fire-Resistant Glass

High borosilicate fire-resistant glass is a high-performance fireproof material primarily composed of silica, boron trioxide, and sodium oxide. As the preferred material for single-pane fire-resistant glass, it can also be processed through techniques such as coating and glazing to create building energy-saving fireproof materials with enhanced overall performance. The raw sheet specifications can reach up to 4500mm × 2440mm, with thicknesses ranging from 4mm to 15mm. Intermediate dimensions can be customized according to customer requirements.

I. Performance Characteristics of High Borosilicate Fire-Resistant Glass 

(1) Superior Fire Resistance: Features an exceptionally high softening point, providing robust fire protection with a fire resistance rating exceeding 120 minutes. Its outstanding transparency ensures unobstructed visibility during fires, facilitating escape and rescue operations. (2) High Strength and Ultra-Lightweight: Over 8% lighter than standard glass with high mechanical strength. This combination of lightness and strength significantly reduces building self-weight. (3) Exceptional Chemical Stability: Resistant to acids, alkalis, and UV radiation, with excellent fire resistance. (4) Superior Optical Properties: High light transmittance exceeding 90% for visible light, delivering distortion-free visual clarity while maintaining architectural transparency and aesthetics. (5) Eliminates Spontaneous Breakage Risk: Nickel-free composition prevents spontaneous breakage—a major safety hazard in modern construction. High borosilicate fire-resistant glass contains no nickel, eliminating nickel crystallization in finished products and thus eliminating breakage risks. (6) Excellent Processability: Pre-tempering processing allows cutting, edge grinding, drilling, and coating. It can also be processed through laminated, insulated, or vacuum techniques. (7) Dual Safety Assurance: Fully tempered single-pane high borosilicate fire-resistant glass meets both fire resistance and safety performance requirements.

II. Applications of High Borosilicate Fire-Resistant Glass During a fire, glass failure may alter a building's ventilation conditions, thereby influencing the fire's progression. Analysis of glass damage primarily attributes to the following causes: external impact, uneven heating leading to shattering, and thermal melting/deformation. Among current fire-resistant glass products, standard single-pane fire-resistant glass typically shatters when exposed to water at temperatures between 400°C and 500°C. While composite fire-resistant glass may shatter, it does not penetrate. High borosilicate fire-resistant glass, however, can withstand temperatures up to 800°C without shattering when exposed to water.
The superior properties of high borosilicate fire-resistant glass make it suitable for fire-resistant windows, interior fire partitions, and fire doors. It can also be used in curtain walls or undergo processes such as coating, laminating, insulating, or applying decorative glazes. Furthermore, it can be utilized for microwave oven and induction cooktop panels. Historically, the Chinese market predominantly featured unstable, prone-to-explosion single-pane cesium-potassium fire-resistant glass. With reforms in national fire codes and fire safety regulations, coupled with rising living standards, demand for fire-resistant products safeguarding lives and property has steadily increased. Consequently, the market demand for high-performance nano-silica fire-resistant glass and high borosilicate fire-resistant glass continues to grow.