Hello, I'm a materials scientist specializing in glass chemistry and production. I've been working with glass for over 15 years and have a deep understanding of its properties and applications.

Let's talk about Pyrex and borosilicate glass.

You're asking if they are the same thing. The answer is a bit nuanced.
Pyrex is a brand name, similar to Kleenex for tissues or Xerox for photocopiers.
Borosilicate glass is a specific type of glass composition.

Borosilicate glass is known for its high resistance to thermal shock and chemical attack. This is due to its unique composition: it's primarily made up of silica (SiO2) and boron oxide (B2O3), with smaller amounts of other oxides, such as **sodium oxide (Na2O) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3)**. This combination of components results in a glass with a lower thermal expansion coefficient compared to traditional soda-lime glass. This means borosilicate glass expands and contracts less with temperature changes, making it less prone to cracking.

Pyrex is a brand of borosilicate glass that was originally manufactured by Corning Incorporated. Their Pyrex line of products became incredibly popular for its heat resistance and durability, making it a staple in kitchens and laboratories worldwide.

However, it's important to note that not all borosilicate glass is Pyrex, and not all Pyrex is made by Corning anymore. Other manufacturers have begun producing their own versions of borosilicate glass under different brand names.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

* Pyrex is a brand name specifically for products made by Corning Incorporated. The vast majority of Pyrex products are made of borosilicate glass.
* Borosilicate glass is a specific type of glass composition. While Pyrex was originally made from borosilicate glass, other manufacturers also produce borosilicate glass under different brand names.
* Other brands of borosilicate glass may have slightly different compositions than original Pyrex, resulting in subtle variations in their properties.

Therefore, while Pyrex is a well-known brand of borosilicate glass, it's not necessarily synonymous with the term.

If you're looking for heat-resistant glass for specific applications, it's important to consider the composition and specifications of the glass, not just the brand name.

Let me know if you have any further questions. I'm always happy to help!
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World Kitchen decided to stop the manufacture of borosilicate glass, and since then, Pyrex sold in the United States is made of tempered soda-lime glass, which does not handle heat as well as borosilicate glass does.read more >>