Glass Definition and Discussion
Glass--an inorganic product of fusion that has cooled to a rigid condition without crystallizing.
- Glass is typically hard and brittle and has a conchoidal fracture.
- A glass may be colorless or colored. It is usually transparent, but may be made translucent or opaque.
- When a specific kind of glass is indicated, such descriptive terms as flint glass, barium glass, and window glass should be used following the basic definition, but the qualifying term is to be used as understood by trade custom.
- Objects made of glass are loosely and popularly referred to as glass; such as glass for a tumbler, a barometer, a window, a magnifier, or a mirror.
From ASTM Designation: C162-94C.
General Facts
The American glass industry is responsible for technological advancements that have been adapted for use worldwide and dramatically improve the quality of life for millions of people.
Glass is an important component of the U.S. economy, employing more than 150,000 people in skilled jobs, and generating more than 21 million tons of consumer products each year with an estimated value of $22 billion.
Glass demonstrates a clear advantage over other materials for the following reasons:
- one hundred percent recycling capability
- diverse, unique applications
- versatile manufacturing properties
- environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and products
- exceptional chemical durability
- multi-faceted optical properties
From DOE publication "Glass: A Clear Vision for a Bright Tomorrow."
New and Interesting Ways Glass is Used
Energy
- High-power glass lasers for study of nuclear fusion reactions in nuclear energy research
- Glass components in high-performance fuel cells
- Encapsulation of nuclear waste for safe, long-term underground storage
Telecommunications and the Internet
- Optical fiber for transmitting information (sound, video and data)
- Amplifiers and filters to control the information-carrying light signals
Biotechnology
- Glasses that help heal, repair and build bone and tissue
- Purification of DNA
- Modern DNA sequencing (using a DNA-glass composite biomaterial called a DNA micro-array)
Consumer Products
- LCDs (liquid crystal displays) for flat panel televisions, computer monitors and laptop computers
- Thermal and solar control glazing for homes, buildings and automobiles
- Self-cleaning windows
Want to Learn More About Glass?
Go to......
- Glass Science at Alfred University
- Alfred University Short Courses
NYS College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Binns-Merrill Room 254, Alfred, NY 14802 Phone: 607.871.2432, Fax: 607.871.2383 email:
"This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants No. 9616366 and 0120746."
"Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation."
