ABSTRACT
Glass has been used for over 6000 years, dating to ancient times. Through the years and with more knowledge of its technology, glass has become the most widely used drug packaging material. The origin of the first synthetic glass is unknown; however, Egyptians were known to mold figurines from sand and silicon dioxide. The soda-lime compositions are used for ordinary tableware, food, and beverage products, and window glass, among many others. Borosilicate glass is not widely used, but it is more durable and heat resistant than soda-lime glass. Sodium is primarily added to silica to lower the melting temperature and aid in the removal of gas bubbles in a reasonable time. Potassium oxide is used in smaller amounts. In a typical factory, a batch formulation is developed that provides the desired glass composition when melted. The raw materials are stored in large capacity silos.
