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Project: Chemical strengthening of float glass by aerosol deposition and in-line melting of salt pastes

This project aims to develop a novel method for strengthening float glass by modifying its surface through aerosol deposition and in-line melting of salts, enabling ion exchange without the need for traditional molten salt baths. The goal is to enhance the glass’s mechanical, optical, and chemical properties, making production more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable for industrial use.

Project information

Project manager
Stefan Karlsson
Other project members
Sharafat Ali, Michael Strand, Linnaeus University
Financier
Åforsk
Timetable
September 2013 – August 2014
Subject
Materials science (Department of Built Environment and Energy Technology, Faculty of Technology)

More about the project

This project explores a new way to make float glass stronger, more durable, and better suited for everyday use. Normally, glass can break easily, get scratched, or lose its clarity over time. Traditional methods to make glass tougher involve soaking it in molten salt baths — a slow and costly process.

In this project, we’re trying a different approach: applying special salts onto the glass surface as tiny particles in a vapor or paste form, followed by heating. This allows larger ions from the salts to move into the glass surface, making it stronger and more resistant to damage. By using this method, it may be possible to improve the glass’s strength, reduce scratching, and protect it from moisture and fingerprints — all in a quicker and more cost-effective way.

If successful, this technique could be used directly in glass production lines, making it easier and cheaper to produce strong, durable glass for windows, screens, and many other applications.

Staff