Although many familiar glass articles seem timeless in their resistance to their environment, commercial glasses range in chemical durability from rapid and complete dispersion in aqueous solutions to extreme inertness. With continuous variation in composition available within broad ranges, useful glasses are tailored to specific functions in which chemical durability is optimised within the bounds imposed by essential physical qualities and economic considerations. This review considers the gamut of glasses from the standpoint of their capacity to meet the chemical requirements of their intended function. The character and extent of chemical deterioration is discussed in relation to glass composition, the processes of fabrication, and the service conditions.
