Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new type of LionGlass glass that produces 50% less carbon dioxide emissions compared to the annual 86 million tons of emissions, ScitechDaily reports.
The innovative glass requires significantly less energy to produce and is more resistant to damage than conventional sodium-lime silicate glass.
The team recently filed a patent application, marking the first step toward bringing LionGlass to market.
Conventional sodium-lime silicate glass is made by melting three basic materials: quartz sand, soda ash, and limestone. The melting process releases carbon dioxide (CO2), which traps heat. However, the bulk of CO2 emissions come from the energy needed to heat the furnaces to high temperatures during glass production.
LionGlass has a significantly lower melting point – by 300-400 °C – which helps reduce energy consumption by 30%.
In addition, the researchers were surprised to find that LionGlass is at least 10 times more resistant to cracking than standard soda-lime glass.
Scientists believe that lighter glass further contributes to environmental protection, as it requires less raw materials and energy to produce and transport.
