What is a notable advantage of glass compared to polymers?

Glass's notable advantage compared to polymers lies in its superior transparency. This characteristic is particularly important in applications such as windows, optical lenses, and displays. Glass can achieve a high level of clarity and has a refractive index that allows for excellent light transmission, minimizing distortion. This level of transparency is often difficult for polymers to match, especially over time as some polymers can become discolored, cloudy, or yellow with exposure to UV light or environmental factors.

In contrast, while polymers can be engineered for transparency and might be lighter in weight, they typically do not reach the same clarity and durability as glass over prolonged use. Glass also has a more brittle property compared to the flexibility seen in many polymers, which enable them to withstand stress and impact better in certain applications. Regarding cost, glass can sometimes be more expensive to produce or handle than some polymers, particularly when considering the added processing and shaping techniques required for glass products. This reinforces glass's status as a preferred material in circumstances where optical performance is critical.