Some types of glass, such as tempered glass or mineral glass, undergo a thermal or chemical treatment that makes them more durable and scratch-resistant compared to ordinary glass.
Glass is primarily composed of silica (silicon dioxide), a material derived from sand. Depending on the molecular structure, scratch resistance varies significantly. Glass with strong, well-organized, and compact molecular connections will be more durable. Some glasses contain additives like alumina or boron oxide, which enhance these molecular connections, giving the material higher density and hardness. Conversely, when the molecules are poorly bonded or more disordered, the surface becomes more fragile and more susceptible to scratches.
The way a glass is manufactured significantly affects its scratch resistance. For example, a slow and controlled cooling of molten glass increases its strength: it allows the molecules to organize themselves gradually, limiting internal defects that weaken the material. Conversely, rapid cooling causes internal stress, which in turn promotes scratches and cracks. Another interesting aspect: when glass that is still malleable is stretched or mechanically pressed, the molecules can be aligned and compacted. This technique, called mechanical stretching, strengthens the internal structure of the glass and significantly improves its scratch resistance.
Surface treatments directly modify the outer layer of the glass, providing effective protection against damage. Some specific processes even change the surface structure, creating a denser layer that is significantly more scratch-resistant. For example, chemical tempering clearly strengthens the exterior of the material through chemical exchanges, which greatly hardens the glass at the surface. Other treatment methods also include the application of an ultra-thin transparent protective film, specially designed to limit everyday micro-scratches. These treatments play a crucial role in making the glass durable and reliable over time while preserving its immaculate aesthetic appearance!
Among the popular techniques are silica-based or aluminum oxide coatings, which create a hard protective layer on the surface of the glass. Some brands also use treatments like the deposition of ultra-thin layers of synthetic diamond, which is highly resistant to scratches. Another common option is the addition of a layer of reinforced polymers that better absorb shocks and limit micro-scratches in daily use. You’ve probably heard of Gorilla Glass, known specifically for incorporating these additions and coatings that make a difference in terms of strength. These processes effectively serve as an invisible shield, better resisting keys, coins, and even sand, which explains why some phone screens remain pristine for longer.
To assess a glass's resistance to scratches, standardized tests that are simple and reproducible are generally conducted. For example, the Mohs test determines which material can scratch another by comparing their respective hardness. A more modern method, known as the pencil test, uses pencils of graded hardness, which are rubbed on the glass to check at which level scratches appear. Another quite common technique, the Taber test, uses a rotating abrasive wheel that simulates mechanical wear, thereby providing a practical overview of the glass's resistance to real-world usage conditions. These standards and tests help manufacturers provide clear and reliable information about the actual performance of different types of glass against scratches.
Contrary to popular belief, although tempered glass is very resistant to impacts and less prone to breakage, it is not necessarily more scratch-resistant than traditional glasses without specific surface treatment.
The scratch-resistant coating on eyeglass lenses is often made of transparent nano-layers based on silicon oxide, which significantly enhances the durability of the glass against daily wear.
The hardness of glass is often measured using the Mohs scale, a system developed in the early 19th century where talc is assigned a hardness value of 1 (very soft), and diamond a value of 10 (the hardest known material).
Gorilla Glass, commonly used to protect smartphones, owes its increased scratch resistance to a chemical strengthening process that exchanges surface sodium ions for larger and stronger potassium ions.
Scratch resistance is often indicated by manufacturers through various standards and tests, including the Mohs scale or specific standards such as ISO 15184. Always check the product's technical specifications, ask the supplier, or look for user reviews or independent tests available online.
Yes, it is possible to slightly improve scratch resistance by applying special protective coatings such as protective films or surface chemical treatments. However, these solutions will generally not provide the same level of resistance as that achieved through manufacturing specifically designed for this purpose.
Scratch resistance refers to the ability of the glass surface to avoid superficial marks caused by friction or contact with various materials. Impact resistance, on the other hand, refers to the glass's ability to absorb or withstand impacts without breaking or cracking. These two characteristics depend on distinct molecular compositions and treatments.
Sure! Here’s the translation: "Yes. Even scratch-resistant lenses can wear out prematurely or have their protective coating weakened by abrasive, harsh cleaning products or those containing hard particles. It is recommended to use specific, non-abrasive cleaners and soft microfiber cloths to preserve their integrity in the long term."
Among the most scratch-resistant types of glass are chemically strengthened glasses, such as Gorilla Glass, sapphire glass made from crystallized aluminum oxide, and glasses that have undergone specific surface treatments using nanometer-thick protective coatings.
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