Verre — histoire, structure, propriétés et usages

Repères

SiO2Network

Float 1959Process

A1; integrity ≠ insulationFire

~1 W/m·KK

Pilkington floatIcon

ceramicsFamily

Verre is one of 32 materials in this atlas, grouped under ceramics: history, structure, measured properties, process routes, uses, safety and market — not a product catalogue.

Scores compare Verre with the rest of the atlas on strength, heat, fire behaviour, insulation, workability and circularity. They are editorial, not certificates.

Seven chapters follow. Fire and insulation claims name test families (Euroclass, ASTM E84, ISO 5660, KS F) rather than inventing a single safety number.

Introduction approfondie

Deep dive: Verre

Verre (SiO2–Na2O–CaO (typical soda-lime)) is a family of grades whose density ~2.5 g/cm³, heat band softens ~500–700 °C, and fire letter A1.

What “the material” actually is

Verre is sold as grades, not as a single substance. Chemistry SiO2–Na2O–CaO (typical soda-lime), density ~2.5 g/cm³, heat band softens ~500–700 °C.

This atlas treats Verre as a system: mill route, coatings, tests and the cavity it sits in.

Heat, fire and insulation

Conductivity note: ~1 W/m·K. Insulation score 28/100 is relative to 32 entries — metals lose, VIPs and aerogels win.

Fire letter in editorial use: A1. Do not equate A1 with “safe in a blaze” or E with “illegal”. Assemblies decide.

How it is made and used

Origin: Mesopotamia / Egypt; float 1959, Near East → St Helens. The process chapter follows feedstock → conversion → forming → finish → install.

Uses span buildings to defence / safety. Pairings matter: technical-ceramics.

Market and circularity

Producers below are landmarks, not an endorsement ranking. Prices are bands, not live quotes.

Circularity mark 70/100. Ask which scrap, which certificate, which year.

Profil

Résistance 50

Résistance à la chaleur 58

Performance au feu 88

Isolation 28

Ouvrabilité 55

Circularité 70

Questions fréquentes

Is Verre non-combustible?

Declared reaction class in this atlas: A1. Assemblies still need resistance tests.

Does Verre insulate?

Thermal mark 28/100 versus the atlas. Conductivity note: ~1 W/m·K.

What is the density band?

~2.5 g/cm³

How is it made?

Origin story: Mesopotamia / Egypt; float 1959 (Near East → St Helens).

Can it be recycled?

Circularity mark 70/100 — editorial, route-specific.

Typical melting or failure heat?

softens ~500–700 °C

What should it be paired with?

technical-ceramics: Crystalline cousins that do not flow like glass.

Where is it specified?

Buildings, transport, energy and consumer goods — see the uses chapter.

Icônes

Pilkington float

United Kingdom · 1959

Pilkington float is a reference point in the public image of Verre.

Portland Vase

Italy · Roman

Portland Vase is a reference point in the public image of Verre.

Crystal Palace

United Kingdom · 1851

Crystal Palace is a reference point in the public image of Verre.

Owens machine

United States · 1903

Owens machine is a reference point in the public image of Verre.

Low-e IGU

Global · 1980s–

Low-e IGU is a reference point in the public image of Verre.

Gorilla Verre

United States · 2007–

Gorilla Verre is a reference point in the public image of Verre.

Stained cathedral

Europe · medieval

Stained cathedral is a reference point in the public image of Verre.

Verre wool cousin

US / DE · 1930s–

Verre wool cousin is a reference point in the public image of Verre.

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Duels

Même famille, autres notes — choisissez un duel.

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Verre vs Céramique technique

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Matériaux proches

Voisins les plus proches sur les six axes de l’atlas.

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