A successful theme

A research to find out super-strong glass technology of the National Institute of Mining-Metallurgy Science and Technology was started long time ago and has been put into production successfully in some important areas, such as aviation, railway and national defense with light products for airports and railways and glass products for cars. However, they are narrow and less common fields. Therefore, although these fields have gained remarkable achievements, these applications have just started with super-strong glass. Since early 2012, with the assistance of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the scientific research theme at the state level of the National Institute of Mining-Metallurgy Science and Technology has successfully put into production and the institute has been eligible to extensive announcement on the improvement of super-strong glass technology to create bowls, tumblers, bottles and jars. This technology has brought a wide future for applying of it in daily life.

Tam Hiep Center for Mining-Metallurgy Experimentation and Production of the National Institute of Mining-Metallurgy Science and Technology director, PhD Nguyen Xuan Khoa said that super-strong glass has been created via glass technology. This is a process of the reinforcement of glass surface via ion exchange. After heating at the temperature of 400-500, dropping into the ionic tank and cooling, glass will become a heat-resistance glass. Therefore, when transferring the product from freezer to microwave, it will not have any problem. PhD Nguyen Xuan Khoa also proved that the durability of super-strong glass by dropping a bowl from a height of three meters but it has no broken or cracked.

Together with these optimal characteristics, glass products can be stacked directly onto each other without pads. Thanks to the high scratch resistance, smooth surface is effective against stains and easy to clean. "These products do not contain lead, cadmium and harmful substances to health as some plastic or ceramic products in the market. In addition, life expectancy of product is higher," Khoa said.

PhD Nguyen Xuan Khoa also said that housewives are excited with information about new super-strong glass technology because they can remove the burden of cooking and cleaning. It is often difficult to scrub glasses after drinking coffee and tea. However, with super-strong glass products, it becomes much easier.

Super strong glass-Future technology

Super-strong glass of the research team has been applied in producing bowls, tumblers, bottles and jars. These products are sold at the gallery of the experimental center with the price of 50-70 percent of France and RoK's products. PhD Nguyen Xuan Khoa said that many customers call to center to order products. Therefore, the success of super-strong glass has put scientists in a new situation. Scientists are necessary to have a vision and calculation method of economists if they want to maximize their advantage in the market. The center currently upgrades the production line from testing to production, ensuring average daily productivity of 100 boxes of cups and bowls to serve the potential market.

The center plans to continue the application of super-strong glass technology in creating heat-resistant glass for gas stoves, microwaves, buildings, tablets and television screens.

National Institute of Mining-Metallurgy Science and Technology director, PhD Hoang Van Khanh said that due to the enthusiastic reception of consumers, the center will try to speed up the progress of researching and upgrading production line to provide more super-strong glass products in order to better serve the society as well as prove the level and capacity of Vietnamese scientists./.