Flaking Of Commercial Glass Containers

The formation of bloom and flaking during the corrosion of the inside surface of a glass container are discussed to understand how to produce containers of acceptable chemical durability. Glass composition, manufacturing conditions, storage conditions and bottle washing and filling conditions all influence the problem of weathering and the tendency of containers to bloom or flake before use by the consumer. Means of preventing weathering, such as hot end surface treatments, are outlined, as are methods for cleansing containers already weathered.