The spelling of "tempered glass" may seem straightforward, but its phonetic transcription reveals the nuances of its pronunciation. According to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), "tempered" is pronounced /ˈtɛmpərd/, with emphasis on the first syllable and the vowel sound of "e" as in "tell." "Glass" is pronounced /ɡlæs/, with emphasis on the first syllable and the vowel sound of "a" as in "cat." Together, "tempered glass" is pronounced /ˈtɛmpərd ɡlæs/, indicating a material that has been treated for increased strength and safety.
Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that has been subjected to a specialized heat treatment process, known as tempering, in which its physical properties are altered to enhance its strength and durability. The glass is first heated to extremely high temperatures, generally up to 620 degrees Celsius (1150 degrees Fahrenheit), and then rapidly cooled through a process known as quenching.
The tempering process creates internal stresses within the glass, resulting in increased strength and resistance to impact. As a result, tempered glass is significantly more durable than regular glass, making it less susceptible to cracking or breaking, and making it a suitable choice for applications that require a higher level of safety and strength.
When tempered glass is subjected to excessive force or impact, it does not shatter into sharp, jagged pieces like ordinary glass. Instead, it fractures into small, blunt-edged, granular fragments, commonly known as "dice" or "cubes," which are much less likely to cause serious injuries. This characteristic makes tempered glass particularly suitable for use in areas where safety is a concern, such as glass doors, shower enclosures, building facades, and vehicle windows.
In addition to its increased strength and safety features, tempered glass also exhibits thermal resistance, meaning it can withstand significant temperature changes without cracking or breaking. This property makes it suitable for use in applications where exposure to heat or cold is a concern, such as oven doors, cookware, or thermal windows.
Overall, tempered glass is a versatile and reliable material that provides enhanced safety, strength, and resistance to thermal stress, making it a popular choice in a wide range of architectural, automotive, and household applications.
The term "tempered glass" has a straightforward etymology.
"Tempered" comes from the Latin word "temperare", meaning "to mix in appropriate proportions". It later evolved to mean "to give the right blend or proportion", and with regard to materials, it often refers to giving the correct level of hardness or toughness.
"Glass" originates from the Old English word "glæs". This word has a cognate in several Germanic languages and is believed to have initially come from the Proto-Germanic word "*glasam".
Combining these two terms, "tempered glass" refers to a type of glass that has been treated to enhance its strength and resistance to breakage.