With the world’s emissions crisis, it is imperative that glass be a part of the solution. LionGlass, a silicophosphate glass, has the potential to be a low-carbon, low-cost alternative to current soda lime silicate window glass. This research investigates LionGlass melting point, Vickers hardness, and crack resistance, in an economic and environmental context to determine if it is a viable alternative to soda lime silicate window glass. Results show a melting point of 1200°C, roughly 500°C lower than that of soda lime silicates. Depending on the exact variation of the LionGlass composition, its hardness varied from ~400-700 kgf/mm2, whereas soda lime silicate glass had hardness values varying from ~600-1500 kgf/mm2. LionGlass 1 showed a superior crack resistance to soda lime silicate, with a crack resistance value of over 1 kgf. Other compositions of LionGlass, such as LionGlass 4, were inferior to soda lime silicate glass, with a crack resistance less than 1 kgf. Discussed in this research, this is likely due to the varying zinc content in each LionGlass composition. LionGlass was deemed a viable alternative to soda lime silicate window glass, with lower estimated emissions, lower estimated cost, and better crack resistance than current industry standard.
