Alkali-Resistant Mica Glass
Lumiglas Gen-2 Alkali-Resistant Mica Glass is engineered for pH 8-14 environments. Reinforced with ZrO2, Y2O3, and La2O3 for extreme durability in caustic soda and high-temp (600°C) boilers.
Description
Lumiglas Gen-2 Alkali-Resistant Mica Glass is a heavy-metal oxide reinforced industrial glass designed specifically to withstand high-pH environments (pH 8–14) where standard borosilicate fails.
Engineered with Zirconium, Yttrium, and Lanthanum, it offers superior resistance to hot caustic soda (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) up to 600°C.
Why choose Gen-2 Alkali-Resistant Mica Glass?
- Designed for High pH: Specifically formulated for alkaline media (pH 8–14). Standard borosilicate glass dissolves rapidly in these conditions; our Gen-2 glass lasts significantly longer.
- Rare-Earth Fortified: Contains high concentrations of ZrO₂ (~6%), Y₂O₃ (~24%), and La₂O₃ (~20.6%) to block ion leaching and surface etching.
- Extreme Temperature: Withstands continuous operating temperatures up to 600°C.
- Cost-Effective Alternative: Provides a durable solution for boiler and pipeline observation without the extreme cost of single-crystal Sapphire.
The Chemistry: Why it works (Active Oxides)
Unlike standard glass which relies on silica, our Gen-2 matrix is stabilized by rare earth oxides. This chemistry is verified by our accredited lab reports.
| Oxide Component | Measured Content | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Yttrium Oxide (Y₂O₃) | 23.94% | Stabilizes high-temp phases & inhibits crystallization. |
| Lanthanum Oxide (La₂O₃) | 20.65% | Increases density and reduces ion migration (leaching). |
| Zirconium Oxide (ZrO₂) | 5.99% | Boosts hardness & creates a barrier against alkali attack. |
Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Gen-2 Alkali-Resistant Mica Glass |
|---|---|
| Chemical Stability (Alkali) | pH 8 – 14 (Excellent resistance to NaOH, KOH) |
| Max Operating Temp | -273°C to +600°C (Avoid thermal shock) |
| Estimated Service Life | ≈ 6 Months at extreme conditions (pH 14 @ 180°C) *Significantly longer at lower temps/concentrations. |
| Acid Resistance | Not recommended for pH < 6 |
| Bending Strength | 450 – 540 MPa |
| Hardness (Vickers) | 500 – 700 HV |
| Common Dimensions | Thickness: 5–40mm | Shape: Round, Rectangular, Oval (Customized to drawing) |
| Certificates | EN10204 3.1, Chemical Composition Analysis |
Applications
- Boiler Observation: Steam drums and pipelines with high-pH water treatment.
- Chemical Processing: Reaction vessels for crude glycerol, salts, and caustic scrubbing.
- Pulp & Paper: Black liquor recovery boilers.
- Industrial Cleaning: Systems using CIP (Clean-in-Place) with hot caustic solutions.
Downloads & Documentation
Access our technical data sheets and third-party lab reports to verify the chemical composition and performance.
FAQ
- Q: Can I use this glass for acidic environments?
- A: No. This material is specialized for alkali resistance (pH 8-14). It is not suitable for acidic environments with pH < 6. For acids, we recommend our standard borosilicate or quartz glass.
- Q: How long does it last in 180°C Sodium Hydroxide (pH 14)?
- A: Under these extreme conditions, the expected service life is approximately 6 months. While limited, this is vastly superior to standard sight glass which may fail in days. We recommend a regular inspection cycle.
- Q: Do you provide material certificates?
- A: Yes. All shipments include an EN10204 3.1 Certificate and a chemical analysis report confirming the ZrO₂, Y₂O₃, and La₂O₃ content.
