Author: Krista Grayson

A key problem with nuclear power is what to do with the waste products generated when the fuel is completely spent. Vitrification is an established solution, but there is still much room for improvement. 

As emissions legislation kicks in and electricity generation moves away from fossil fuels toward renewables, there may well be a swing in glass manufacture from gas to electric energy.

Advances in the formulations of composite and glass ionomer dental materials have given them the required strength and durability to make them effective products for tooth restoration. The properties of both composite and glass ionomer dental materials can be improved by the inclusion of bioactive glass.

An estimated 2.5% of primary hip and knee replacements and to 10% of joint revision surgeries are complicated by infection. Coating implants with bioactive glass would make their surfaces unsuitable for bacterial colonization and could dramatically lower infection rates.

The rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria is driving research into new antimicrobial materials. Bioactive glass is showing great promise due to its ability to resist bacterial growth on its surface.

Although materials such as metal, plastic, clays, and even biological cells have been used in 3D printing, the 3D printing of glass has remained elusive. However, new research is breaking this convention and glass is now being 3D printed to a high quality.

A variety of bone graft substitutes have been used in the search to find an alternative to bone that provides a rapid and strong repair. Calcium phosphate closely resembles the mineral components naturally present in bone tissue, and so represents an attractive option for a synthetic bone filling material.

What is bioactive glass? Mo-Sci CEO, Ted Day, shares his perspectives on the past, present, and future of this life-changing material.

Road markings are an essential safety feature. Glass beads significantly increase the reflectivity of paints on the road, which in turn significantly improves their visibility and consequently driver and pedestrian safety.

New glass technology has been tailored for the DOE’s need to properly process molybdenum-rich nuclear waste for long-term storage and disposal.