ASTM C912-17

3.1 Many of the low-silica technical glasses which contain soluble or reactive oxides require processing or involve applications that require cleaning. Very often these cleaning procedures have evolved over several decades and are considered an art. They usually contain numerous steps, some of questionable validity. It is the premise of this practice that cleaning glass can be more scientific. Design of a cleaning procedure should involve (1) a definition of the soil to be removed, (1.1 This practice covers information that will permit design of a rational cleaning procedure that can be used with a glass that is somewhat soluble in many aqueous chemical solutions. Typically, this type of glass is used in applications such as optical ware, glass-to-metal seals, low dielectric loss products, glass fibers, infrared transmitting products, and products resistant to metallic vapors.

1.2 In most cases, this type of glass contains high concentrations of oxides that tend to react with a number of aqueous chemicals. Such oxides include B₂O₃, Al₂O₃, R₂O, RO, La₂O₃, ZnO, PbO, P₂O₅, and Fe₂O₃. The more conventional high-silica glasses are usually more chemically resistant, but the cleaning principles outlined here also apply to them.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.