There are other special types of glass and back painted glass by adding different substances. For example:
| Element | Properties |
| Alumina | It improves chemical resistance and increases viscosity in lower temperature ranges |
| Cerium | To absorb infrared rays |
| Coloring agents | Metals and metal oxides to change color (ex. manganese and selenium to decolorized gas, cobalt for blue, copper for red, nickel produces blue, violet or black glass, titanium produces yellowish-brown, etc.). |
| Barium oxide | Glass containing barium is not quite as heavy as lead crystal, but achieves similar brilliance due to its high refractive index. |
| Fluorine | Fluorine-containing materials, such as fluorspar (CaF2) or phosphates to form small crystalline particles in the glass which gives them a cloudy and opaque impression |
Recently developed forms of glass include: – Safety glass, constructed of two pieces of plate glass join by a plastic to prevent the glass from scattering when broken.
– Fiberglass made from molten glass formed into continuous filaments that is used for fabrics or electrical insulation – Foam glass made by trapping gas bubbles in glass to produce a spongy material for insulating purposes. |
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