Evaporating Dish: Why Made of Porcelain?

Why is an evaporating dish made of porcelain instead of borosilicate glass?

What are the advantages of using porcelain over borosilicate glass for an evaporating dish?

Final answer:

An evaporating dish is made of porcelain rather than borosilicate glass due to porcelain's superior heat resistance, ability to handle thermal shock, and its excellent heat conduction properties. Plus, its rough surface minimizes material loss.

The evaporating dish is typically made of porcelain and not borosilicate glass due to a few strategic reasons. Porcelain happens to have superior heat resistance, a necessary characteristic to have considering the evaporating dish's function to heat its contents until evaporation. This material also can handle thermal shock better than borosilicate glass. Porcelain is an excellent conductor of heat, allowing for even heat distribution across the dish, an essential factor for successful chemical reactions. Besides, due to its rough ceramic surface, it offers better adhesion for products being heated, minimizing the risk of material loss.