Why glass shatters

The tempering process causes the external layers of the glass to shrink on top of its internal layers, this pressure makes the glass stronger. When tempering a glass containing Nickel Sulfide, this will cause the molecule to contract, and during the cooling process it will be "embedded" that way, so it could not return to its natural size.

But it will always strive to return to its natural size. In extreme conditions of major differences between indoor and outdoor temperature such as a very hot day outside and a very conditioned room inside, or vice versa , it could happen that the molecule will succeed to expand back, and the result will be a glass breakage. Although these are very rare occurrences, Phoenicia recommends these preventive actions:. The glass Phoenicia manufactures is sold in Israel and around the world, so Phoenicia is certified to manufacture glass according to Israeli and international standards that define the method and process of production, to minimize the possibility that this molecule will find its way into the glass.

In addition, the production line is regularly monitored using sophisticated means, such as magnets and metal detectors, also even the facilities used in the production process do not contain the Nickel Sulfide molecule. We in Phoenicia also increase caution and prevent the entry of materials that are not production related, but may find their way somehow to the raw material mixture. This is precisely why a soft drink can, whose aluminum compound contains the molecule, is not allowed into the plant!

Interior Design. If one piece of the glass shatters, the other piece can hold the whole set in place, preventing it from falling and injuring people. National Safety Council of Singapore deputy president Fong Kim Choy recommends laminated glass for use as shower panels and doors.

But it costs about twice as much as tempered glass. For safe handling of glass at home, he cautioned against stacking glassware, as that can chip the edges. But if needed, cushion each piece with cardboard or cloth. To prevent more accidents, one person who is helping to design robots that can clean and scan glass panels for cracks is Mohan Rajesh Elara, an assistant professor of engineering product development at the Singapore University of Technology and Design.

The idea is to have these robots alert the end users early so that they can take measures such as replacing a glass panel. The robots use artificial intelligence to detect and classify cracks. But there are limitations at this time: Glass is transparent, so the robots might mistake elements in the surrounding environment for a crack. To combat this, Mohan is working at adding acoustic and thermal sensing, as cracks reflect sound differently and retain more heat. This means the robots should be able to see, hear and feel.

It will take about two years, however, before these robots can be deployed commercially. Watch this episode of Talking Point here. The programme airs on Channel 5 every Thursday at 9.

We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with CNA to be fast, secure and the best it can possibly be. To continue, upgrade to a supported browser or, for the finest experience, download the mobile app. Main navigation Top Stories. CNA Insider When glass suddenly shatters — why it happens and how to be on the safe side.

Bookmark Bookmark Share. Close Top Stories. CNA Insider When glass suddenly shatters — why it happens and how to be on the safe side There have been cases at home, and outside too; over the past decade, at least exterior glass panels were reported to have shattered. The danger is that all it takes is a few drops of water for this to happen. Arulnathan John.

Chan Luo Er. Joshua Lim posted this on social media. Dr Leonard Loh has spent a decade studying glass and its properties. Log in. Navigation Main Page. Community portal. Current events. Recent changes. Random page. Specialty Groups Architecture.

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