Weathering Of Float Glass And Factors That Influence It

This study is based on the results of a research program of Stazione dedicated to the weathering of glass surfaces. The aim was to understand in detail the mechanisms of weathering of float glass, to identify analytical procedures suitable to characterize weathered glass and to develop accelerated ageing tests allowing to simulate the damage caused by storage (or transport) in humid environments. The first part of the paper describes the mechanisms of weathering, the factors that influence the rate of weathering, laboratory accelerated tests and analytical tests suitable to assess the degree of weathering of commercial samples. The second part describes examples of practical application.