Glass: The Nanotechnology Connection

John C. Mauro, Adam J. Ellison, L. David Pye

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nanoscale science and engineering, or "nanotechnology" as it is commonly known, has been a fundamental component of glass technology for hundreds if not thousands of years. Numerous examples can be found where our understanding of glass at the nanoscale level has proved transformational in the fabrication and application of this material. Among these are band theory, photosensitivity, ligand field theory, glass structure, microcrack theory, amorphous phase separation, controlled crystallization, and surface modification. Modern applications of glass in such diverse fields as energy, medicine, electronics, photonics, and communications are critically dependent on our awareness and appreciation of the intrinsic connections between glass and nanotechnology. Starting at the low end of the nanoscale, we review fundamental aspects of these connections with the intent of drawing attention to their role in both contemporary and future glass science and engineering. We argue that many of the most useful and interesting behaviors of glass are born at the nanoscale, even when we initially do not notice it.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)64-75
Number of pages12
JournalInternational Journal of Applied Glass Science
Volume4
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Materials Science

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