Sugar glass
Encyclopedia
Sugar glass is used to simulate glass in movies, photographs and plays. Although it is much less likely to cause injuries than real glass, it breaks convincingly, making it an excellent choice for stunts. The substance is a brittle transparent form of sugar
.
Sugar glass is made by dissolving sugar in water
and heating it to at least the "hard crack" stage (approx. 150 °C) in the candy
making process. Glucose
or corn syrup
is used to prevent the sugar from recrystallizing, by getting in the way of the sugar molecules forming crystals. Cream of tartar, which is an acid, also helps by turning the sugar into glucose
and fructose
.
Sugar glass is used in stunt
sequences of television and film in the place of real glass, as it breaks more easily and is less dangerous than real glass. Sugar glass is also used in sugar sculpture
. Because sugar glass is hygroscopic, it must be used soon after preparation, or it will soften, and lose its brittle quality.
Sugar
Sugar is a class of edible crystalline carbohydrates, mainly sucrose, lactose, and fructose, characterized by a sweet flavor.Sucrose in its refined form primarily comes from sugar cane and sugar beet...
.
Sugar glass is made by dissolving sugar in water
Water
Water is a chemical substance with the chemical formula H2O. A water molecule contains one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms connected by covalent bonds. Water is a liquid at ambient conditions, but it often co-exists on Earth with its solid state, ice, and gaseous state . Water also exists in a...
and heating it to at least the "hard crack" stage (approx. 150 °C) in the candy
Candy
Candy, specifically sugar candy, is a confection made from a concentrated solution of sugar in water, to which flavorings and colorants are added...
making process. Glucose
Glucose
Glucose is a simple sugar and an important carbohydrate in biology. Cells use it as the primary source of energy and a metabolic intermediate...
or corn syrup
Corn syrup
Corn syrup is a food syrup, which is made from the starch of maize and contains varying amounts of maltose and higher oligosaccharides, depending on the grade. Corn syrup is used in foods to soften texture, add volume, prevent crystallization of sugar, and enhance flavor...
is used to prevent the sugar from recrystallizing, by getting in the way of the sugar molecules forming crystals. Cream of tartar, which is an acid, also helps by turning the sugar into glucose
Glucose
Glucose is a simple sugar and an important carbohydrate in biology. Cells use it as the primary source of energy and a metabolic intermediate...
and fructose
Fructose
Fructose, or fruit sugar, is a simple monosaccharide found in many plants. It is one of the three dietary monosaccharides, along with glucose and galactose, that are absorbed directly into the bloodstream during digestion. Fructose was discovered by French chemist Augustin-Pierre Dubrunfaut in 1847...
.
Sugar glass is used in stunt
Stunt
A stunt is an unusual and difficult physical feat, or any act requiring a special skill, performed for artistic purposes in TV, theatre, or cinema...
sequences of television and film in the place of real glass, as it breaks more easily and is less dangerous than real glass. Sugar glass is also used in sugar sculpture
Sugar sculpture
Sugar sculpture, the art of producing artistic centerpieces entirely composed of sugar and sugar derivatives, is an art that is rapidly garnering support. There are many competitions that include sugar sculpture, and popular television networks, such as Food Network, televise many of these...
. Because sugar glass is hygroscopic, it must be used soon after preparation, or it will soften, and lose its brittle quality.