Some recent new applications of glass technology

Currently, at Corning Glass Works we are involved in several new, interesting applications of glass technology, which have the potential of impacting a wide diversity of applications. Three such areas presently under investigation will be reviewed, viz., molded optics, dental restorative materials, and inorganic paper. The common denominator relating these three examples is the fact that each relies on a unique glass composition as the starting material.

The first development is a special area of glass composition capable of being molded directly into optical elements without grinding and polishing. The second involves a new castable micaceous ceramic dental material derived from special glass compositions for application in several phases of restorative dentistry. Finally, the third development relates to a ceramic paper based upon a mica-like crystal, which is precipitated from glass.

The current status of the technology will be discussed for each in the context of the potential applications.