Abstract:
The first glass-ceramic (GC) is over 70 years old; they were “accidentally” discovered by S.D. Stookey in 1953. Glass-ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic materials prepared by controlled crystallization of glasses via different processing methods. They contain at least one type of functional crystalline phase and a residual glass. The volume fraction crystallized may vary from ppm to almost 100%. Glass-ceramics comprise a noteworthy class of unique materials that can deliver unusual property combinations, such as extremely low thermal expansion coefficient; optical transparency or translucency; high stiffness, hardness, fracture strength, and toughness; high or low electrical conductivity; bioactive behavior; controlled chemical durability and superior aesthetics. From a scientific perspective, they are ideal materials for controlling and studying nano- or micro-structure/property relationships. From a technological standpoint, glass-ceramics wide range of valuable properties renders them perfect choices for sophisticated domestic and high-tech applications.
In this talk we will review some of GCs most valuable properties and applications, such as transparent cooking ware, cooktop plates, telescope mirrors, cell phone screens, hard disk substrates, pho-to-thermo refractive gratings, dental prostheses, bioactive materials for bone replacement, nuclear waste disposal hosts, and artificial stones for architecture. Finally, we will also dwell on some complications regarding their synthesis, such as crystallization-triggered bubbles, spontaneous cracking, and microstructural gradients, as well as possible solutions for these problems