As the Renaissance dawned, the art of glass-making continued to evolve. Artists like those in Murano, Italy, became renowned for their exquisite glass designs, employing techniques such as millefiori and filigree. In the 19th century, the advent of industrialization introduced mass production techniques, yet there remained a niche market for handmade decorative glass. Today, the legacy of these traditions continues, inspiring a new generation of glass artists.
Beyond their practical advantages, IGU glass panels are also exceptionally versatile in terms of design. They can be manufactured in various shapes, sizes, and finishes, allowing architects and designers to create visually stunning facades and interiors. The use of IGUs enables large glass surfaces that maximize natural light while minimizing the glare and UV penetration that can fade furnishings and carpets. Customization options, such as tinted or laminated glass, provide added aesthetic appeal while further enhancing performance characteristics.
One of the most captivating parts of the video is the demonstration of the float process itself, which was invented by Sir Alastair Pilkington in the 1950s. After the molten glass is produced, it is carefully poured onto a bed of molten tin. This innovative technique is what gives float glass its name. The glass floats on the tin, allowing it to spread evenly and create a perfect flat surface. This method is a game-changer, as it eliminates the need for subsequent grinding and polishing, which were the traditional methods used to achieve a smooth finish.
Tinted float glass is a versatile building material that combines aesthetic appeal with functional characteristics, making it an increasingly popular choice in various construction and design projects. The tinting process involves adding metal oxides to the molten glass during production, resulting in a finished product that is not only visually striking but also provides essential benefits, such as glare reduction, UV protection, and thermal insulation.
From a thermodynamic point of view, Professor Mauro explained, glass has a tendency to become solid. At the molecular level, glass behaves more like a viscous fluid than a solid, but we think of it as a solid because glass molecules move so slowly. Philosophically, the glass we're looking at is interesting, Mauro said. When we look at other substances, we learn about glass. Yet, right under our noses, there is a scientific marvel - a substance that behaves in a fascinating and unique way, one that defies easy classification. It makes up our lenses, microscopes, telescopes, screens and eyeglasses. Glass allows us to see the world more clearly, yet we rarely really pay attention to it.
While some natural glass does exist in nature, such as black stone and talc, the vast majority of glass is fired by humans at high temperatures. As far as we know, the origin of glass dates back to the Bronze Age of Mesopotamia. About 4,000 years ago, humans began melting silica (sand or crushed stone) and mixing it with small amounts of limestone and soda ash. According to Pliny, the invention of glass was a happy accident: the Roman historian suggested that glass was accidentally acquired by Phoenician sailors in the course of a beach picnic, but since there were no flames at the time capable of reaching temperatures high enough to melt sand, this view is questionable. Contemporary historians believe that glass may have been discovered in the process of making ceramics or working metals. These two processes require higher firing temperatures and longer firing times than baking bread or roasted leg of lamb.