Pyroceram

Pyroceram is a type of glass-ceramic material that was first developed by the Corning Glass Works company in the 1950s. It is known for its ability to withstand high temperatures and sudden changes in temperature without breaking, making it a popular material for use in a variety of applications, including cookware, telescope mirrors, and aircraft windows.

History

Corning Glass Works, now known as Corning Incorporated, first developed Pyroceram in the 1950s. The material was the result of research into photosensitive glass, which led to the discovery of a glass that could be made to crystallize when heated. This crystallization process gave the glass its unique properties of thermal resistance and strength.

Properties

Pyroceram is a type of glass-ceramic, a material that is partially crystalline and partially glass. This gives it a unique combination of properties, including high strength and resistance to thermal shock. Pyroceram can withstand temperatures of up to 700 degrees Celsius without breaking, and can also withstand sudden changes in temperature, such as going from a hot stove to a cold countertop.

Applications

Due to its unique properties, Pyroceram has been used in a variety of applications. One of the most well-known uses is in CorningWare, a brand of cookware that was first introduced in the 1950s. Pyroceram's ability to withstand high temperatures and sudden changes in temperature made it an ideal material for this type of cookware.

In addition to cookware, Pyroceram has also been used in the production of telescope mirrors, due to its low thermal expansion properties. This means that the mirrors do not change shape as they heat up or cool down, allowing for more accurate observations.

Pyroceram is also used in the aerospace industry, particularly in the production of aircraft windows. Its high strength and resistance to thermal shock make it an ideal material for this application.

See Also

• Glass-ceramic
• Corning Incorporated
• CorningWare
• Telescope
• Aircraft