Glass as thin as paper, as flexible as plastic, as strong as steel (roughly) and won't shatter. And unlike most new, super cool things, you can actually buy it yourself right now, though its around $150 per square foot (and finding a supplier is a bit of a search). The potential applications in industry are endless... as well as the potentially applications for us DIYers, once it comes down in price a bit. skip to 6:50 if ur not interested in the history lesson:
That's seriously impressive. Just the fact that it can be delivered in rolls is a major advantage! I'd like to hear something about what it's made of and what they plan to charge. There are other forms of laminates that are improving, too. So, it's not as if there is zero competition.
I've found it for $150 per square foot. I'm sure it'll get cheaper if demand drives for more efficient production. I would imagine its the process as much as the material that matters. I also imagine that'll be a proprietary secret for a good while. Assuming its actual glass, it'll prolly be good for solar panels. Normal glass doesn't hold up well to hail, tempered glass is ****ing heavy, and acrylic scratches easy. But flexible glass adhered to acrylic might be a mini-revolution in solar panel durability. Once the cost goes down of course.
Yes - I was thinking of use in solar panels, too. I don't know what is commonly used today, but it would be great if this stuff is somehow more translucent to the wavelengths the panels depend on. It'll be interesting to see what happens.
Glass has always even fascinating to me. Is it a solid? Liquid? Do they mention how this polymer came into existence?
I wouldn't be surprised if someone tries to use this to make clothing. It would certainly make for a nifty Medieval armor suit.
Interesting question. And I just happen to be in a materials industry. And studied material science. It's referred to as an amorphous solid. Meaning it doesn't form a Crystal structure when it goes from molten to solid. There is another interesting material with surprising properties called metallic glass. It is also an amorphous solid hence they call it glass even though it's made out of metal. Materials are the cutting edge of most technology.
No. I imagine sure Corning is keen on keeping it a proprietary secret as long as they can. Interesting question u raise- will this stuff 'flow' over hundreds of years like regular glass? Might be a while before we know for sure...
