Scientists 'taught' glass to illuminate itself and create heat

The history of glass production and processing goes back approximately 3,500 years. However, there are still some

disadvantages of existing production technologiesglass is not completely overcome. For example, only parts with rounded edges can be made from molten glass. When precise shapes with sharp edges are required, the material requires expensive regrinding. To create microstructures in the laboratory, glass manufacturers often have to resort to etching processes using dangerous acid. In addition, it is very difficult to drill holes in “classic” glass.

To overcome such limitations, engineers fromDresden adapted some technologies that were previously typical of ceramics and plastics. They add graphite to glass powder. A mixture of glass graphite powder is created into what is known as raw material, which is then placed into a mold in an injection molding machine to create precise geometry and microstructure.

Thanks to new molding capabilities, glass can be processed at significantly lower temperatures and mixed with fillers, giving it new functions.

So glass powder can be combined withcolored pigments or phosphorescent particles. The result is fluorescent glass components that have a wide range of applications. With it, you can mark escape routes in dark conditions even after a power outage, illuminate the hands and displays of watches or the fittings of vehicles and aircraft.

Among other things, this glass can be used for the production of electrically conductive and self-heating glass microreactors for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

“This opens up new prospects for thismaterial,” emphasizes department head Dr. Tassilo Moritz. For example, glass can limit the widespread use of plastic for many small everyday items in favor of sustainable solutions: glass can be colored, shaped, and have other functions.

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