Borosilicate glass is known for its excellent thermal shock resistance and is generally considered safe for use in microwaves. However, several factors could have contributed to your Borosil bowl breaking in the microwave:
Scratches or cracks: If your Borosil bowl had any existing scratches or cracks, even tiny ones, they could have acted as weak points. When exposed to microwave radiation, these weak points can lead to rapid expansion, causing the glass to break.
Uneven heating: Microwave ovens can sometimes heat food or containers unevenly. If your bowl had thicker or denser areas, they might have heated up more quickly than the rest of the bowl, leading to thermal stress and breakage.
Microwave-safe label: Ensure that your Borosil bowl is explicitly labeled as microwave-safe. While Borosilicate glass is generally suitable for microwave use, not all glass products are microwave-safe. If the bowl did not have a microwave-safe label, it's possible that it was not designed to withstand microwave radiation.
Overheating: Microwaving empty or nearly empty glass containers can lead to overheating. When there is little to no food or liquid inside the bowl, the microwaves may focus on the glass itself, causing it to overheat and potentially break.
Rapid temperature change: If you removed the bowl from the microwave and placed it on a cold or wet surface, a sudden temperature change could have caused the glass to crack or shatter due to thermal shock.
To prevent future accidents, always follow these precautions when using glassware in the microwave:
- Ensure the glassware is labeled as microwave-safe.
- Check the bowl for any visible cracks or scratches before microwaving.
- Add some liquid (water or food) to the bowl to distribute the heat evenly and reduce the risk of overheating.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes by placing hot glassware on a heat-resistant surface or a trivet.
If your Borosil bowl broke, be careful when handling the broken glass pieces, and dispose of them safely. It's a good idea to replace it with a new microwave-safe bowl if you plan to use a microwave in the future.