Thursday Salute to Originals: Interactive Glass Surfaces
It’s no secret that the sleek surfaces of touchscreens, tablets, and mobile devices have proliferated throughout society in recent years. While touch screens and interactive displays have become fundamental to modern communication, Corning believes that their custom Gorilla Glass will begin to impact the lives of people around the world in innovative yet unexpected ways. Imagine viewing your daily schedule on your bathroom mirror as you get ready for work, or using the kitchen counter to video-chat with your mother as you prepare dinner. Futuristic as these ideas may seem, Corning believes that it’s only a matter of time before this technology reaches homes, schools, and community facilities around the world.
“Glass is the essential material enabling this new world. The displays and touch surfaces of the future will require materials that are tough, yet thin and lightweight; that can enable complex electronic circuits and nano functionality; that can scale for every large applications, and that also have a cool, touch-friendly aesthetic.”
While most glass surfaces are considered fragile, Gorilla Glass can withstand rigorous daily activity as a result of Corning’s intense chemical strengthening process. By introducing large ions to the surface of the warm glass as it is molded, the cooled material can develop an additional layer of compressive stress. This unique defense mechanism allows the glass to maintain its sleek appearance while adding indiscernible strength and resilience.
Any surface clad with Gorilla Glass has the ability to project information from mobile devices, internet websites, and television channels, meaning that a person’s schedule, weather, and even shower settings are just a touch away on the bathroom mirror. Though Corning is primarily using the material for experimental purposes on large-scale surfaces, Gorilla Glass is currently used at a small-scale in over 600 products on the market, including televisions, smartphones, and computers.
Despite the strength and technological capability of Gorilla glass, the material is a slim .5 mm thick and 100% recyclable. Corning proves that sleek, interactive screens have the ability to impact more than just mobile devices and computers; combinations of surface and technology have the ability to revolutionize the way we live.
Image and Video Credit: Corning