Ion‐exchangeable transparent and opaque glass‐ceramics

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Photos of heat-treated glass-ceramics

Invention Summary:

Recently, the display glass industry is transitioning from using glass to glass‐ceramic due to its higher mechanical strength. Similarly, instead if aluminum, glass-ceramic is becoming the preferred material for back covers of smartphones and other devices to enable effective wireless charging.

Rutgers researchers have created a glass-ceramic material, based on the nepheline and spinel system. Nepheline provides a strong glass‐forming ability, and it can be chemically strengthened. The presence of the spinel phase increases the hardness and fracture toughness of the glass‐ceramic. The resulting material can be both transparent and opaque, with the capability to be chemically treated to improved strength properties.

Market Applications:

• Front and back covers for smartphones and tablets.
• Protective screens for smartwatches and other wearable technology.
• Dashboard displays in automobiles.
• Covers and screens for various electronic gadgets requiring high durability and wireless charging capabilities.

Advantages:

• Ability to produce both transparent and opaque forms to suit different design needs.
• Chemical strengthening process increases durability and longevity.
• Enhanced hardness and fracture toughness over traditional glass.
• Supports effective wireless charging through its material composition.
• Potential for broad application across multiple electronic device categories.

Intellectual Property & Development Status: Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships contact:  marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu