Scientists use glass tech to take on global warming
Times of India | 16 January 2025
Kolkata: A glass that can block infrared rays without obstructing light and, in turn, reduce heat by 40%: This innovation by Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, India's only glass science institute, will go a long way in fighting climate change, say experts.
Apart from the infrared-blocking glass, CGCRI has also created a radiation-resistant glass, used in atomic energy reactors, which ensures visibility while shielding deadly radiation. "From ‘space-grade optical glass' to radiation-shielding glass, we truly are in the glass age," said Sitendu Mandal, chief scientist of speciality glass division at CGCRI, which will host the International Congress on Glass (ICG'25) at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre from Jan 20 to 24. Mandal, also the president of the meet, added, "Glass is a critical material for sustainable development, contributing to 11 of the 17 UN sustainable development goals." The UN had declared ‘2022' as ‘International Year of Glass', stressing its transformative role in addressing climate change and other global challenges.
The conference, to be inaugurated by Union MoS for science & technology and earth sciences Jitendra Singh, will be a platform for exchanging ideas and addressing challenges in glass science, bringing together 550 delegates, including 150 foreign participants from 20 countries. It will include 11 plenary speakers, 22 keynote speakers, 94 invited talks, 140 poster presentations and 111 contributory presentations, involving researchers, academics, industry leaders and students who will explore innovations and foster collaborations. The event, clinched by a single vote over Japan at International Commission of Glass meeting in Boston, marks a historic moment for CGCRI, which last hosted it in 1986.
"Glass is 100 times stronger than steel, yet fragile due to its amorphous structure with atomic gaps. By closing these gaps with ceramic molecules, we've halved the thickness of bulletproof glass, making armoured vehicles lighter, more fuel-efficient and faster," said Atiar Rahaman Mollah, senior principal scientist at CGCRI and conference secretary, pointing out the institute's commitment to marrying innovation with sustainability.
CGCRI aims to attract industries to the region, easing tech transfer from lab to production scale. "Many of our innovations are ready for industrial application," a scientist said. The proximity of industries to the research institute is expected to accelerate the commercial success of the innovations.