Glass is not just a transparent material. Many types of special glass which transcend the general image of glass have been developed, such as bendable glass and heat-resistant glass.

Glass can have various functions, properties, and shapes depending on the combination of additives and manufacturing processes. Thanks to ongoing R&D on glass by different organizations and researchers, the scope of glass applications has been expanding to the latest consumer devices and space development equipment, in addition to window glass and tableware, which are familiar products.

However, glass research still has a long way to go. Even modern science cannot give a clear answer to the fundamental question “What is glass?” Finding the answer is the key to unlocking new possibilities of glass. To this end, basic research is indispensable.

It is an important challenge to maintain and develop the environment that underpins glass research. With the number of glass laboratories decreasing in Japan, next-generation researchers must be nurtured, and the research foundation must be reinforced. Against this backdrop, Nippon Electric Glass (NEG) and Kyoto University established the Fundamental Glass Science Chair (an endowed chair) at Kyoto University in April 2023.

This article reports on the outline, significance, and future outlook of basic research on glass along with an interview with Program-Specific Professor Atsunobu Masuno of Kyoto University, who holds the chair.

The Fundamental Glass Science Chair was established with the aim of further advancing Japan’s world-leading glass science and technology and nurturing next-generation glass researchers and engineers (press release dated November 7, 2022). NEG provides a stable research environment by contributing one billion yen as initial funding and replenishing an amount spent up to 100 million yen each year.

The chair is held by Program-Specific Professor Atsunobu Masuno of Kyoto University. Research is underway on the following themes.

In the scientific world, solids with atoms in a regular arrangement are called crystals, while those with atoms in an irregular arrangement are called glass. For example, water turns into ice with a crystalline structure when it is cooled. However, glass is a solid without a crystalline structure, and the majority of its properties remain unknown.

Program-Specific Professor Atsunobu Masuno, who heads the Fundamental Glass Science Chair, takes on the challenge to answer the fundamental question “What is glass?” He succeeded in synthesizing glass with entirely new properties using containerless processing, in which glass is levitated and melted by laser without using a crucible (a heat-resistant container for melting materials, including glass and metal). The analysis found that, in contrast to conventional wisdom, glass has an orderly atomic arrangement, which is the key to demonstrating superb functions.

Program-Specific Professor Masuno’s focus extends beyond ground-based research. The professor also participates in a project to produce glass on the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” of the International Space Station (ISS). He has been the principal researcher since 2023. He conducts research on highly homogeneous glass and glass with novel structures, which are difficult to achieve on Earth, by using the microgravity environment* in space.

The graph below, which was created by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, shows the changes in the amount of R&D expenditures and the number of researchers in the university sector in leading countries. The overall amount of research expenditures and number of researchers have remained flat at Japanese universities. Today, Japan is far behind Europe, the U.S., and China.

Prof. Masuno “The number of glass laboratories at universities has been decreasing gradually. The amount of research expenditures subsidized by the Japanese government has also been decreasing in line with the decrease in the number of laboratories and researchers, leading to fewer new themes and groundbreaking results in the field of glass. We are in a vicious cycle.”

“Meanwhile, there have been great advances in analytical and calculation methods for investigating glass structure, such as the arrangement and bonding state of atoms that make up glass, which were previously unknown. Glass research is entering a new phase. If we produce new results by harnessing such findings, Japan’s glass research will attract attention again and evolve into a major field.”

Prof. Masuno “The Fundamental Glass Science Chair, an endowed chair established by NEG, has had a major impact on academia. Continuous allocation of a generous budget to basic research based on the trust method will help us discover laws and principles which were previously unknown.
It takes considerable time until concrete results are generated within the industry through basic research and applied R&D. However, core-focused research is the source of innovative technologies and products of the future. It is essential to invest from a long-term viewpoint.”

The Fundamental Glass Science Chair established by NEG at Kyoto University has attracted attention as a new model for ensuring the continuity and stability of basic research of all types. An environment where research can be conducted from a long-term viewpoint without focusing on short-term results is essential for genuine basic research.

Prof. Masuno “One of my primary missions is to create glass that defies conventional wisdom. This requires establishment of an environment where we can independently analyze glass we produce. To truly understand glass, we must be able to produce glass, measure and analyze its physical properties, and conduct structural analysis by ourselves.”

“What matters in university research is not just to develop new types of glass and measure physical properties but also to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of phenomena. In this context, we must first elucidate glass structure, which remains unknown. Specifically, we plan to introduce a large NMR*1 system within the next few years. We will also actively use large external facilities, including SPring-8.*2 Furthermore, we will establish an environment that enables three-dimensional rendering and analysis of complex atomic arrangements using computer simulations.”

Prof. Masuno “At companies, discussions may often be held from the viewpoint of phenomena, such as creation of new glass and improvement in properties by changing compositions through trial and error. On the other hand, university laboratories, including mine, should focus on establishment of theories to elucidate the mechanisms. Glass is regarded as a material whose structure is not fully understood because, unlike crystals, glass is characterized by a disordered atomic structure. The question is often sidestepped even in modern science of glass. In response to the question “What is glass?” it was only possible to explain the material as “something that is not a crystal.” I hope to properly explain what glass is. I want to deeply understand the principles of glass structure and pursue unlimited possibilities of glass in the truest sense.”」

The future of basic research on glass depends on young researchers and engineers, who will be future leaders. The Fundamental Glass Science Chair at Kyoto University not only advances research but also nurtures future leaders of glass research. This is crucial in maintaining and improving the international competitiveness of Japan’s glass research.

Prof. Masuno “I want to nurture researchers who can handle the entire process, from production to analysis, have a comprehensive view of the material of glass, and establish a shared understanding through discussions with other researchers. The key is measurement and analysis of glass structure, which I explained earlier. Structural analysis of glass requires in-depth understanding of theories and sophisticated measurement skills. The funds for the Fundamental Glass Science Chair will be used properly to establish an environment for advanced structural analysis and develop talent. Active interaction will also be promoted with overseas laboratories that have excellent technologies and theories.

Prof. Masuno “I expect researchers, after obtaining their doctoral degree, to take active roles in the outside world. Researchers immediately after obtaining their degree have limited experience. However, if they actively spread the appealing aspects of glass research at different universities and research institutes, the buds of glass research will bloom in various areas. I hope that they will establish their own glass laboratories when they become full-fledged researchers.”

Such initiatives are expected to inspire broader interest in glass research among younger generations and attract more talented people to this field.

Program-Specific Professor Masuno has already been promoting research in collaboration with more than 10 research institutions in Japan and overseas. He also discusses comprehensive basic research themes with the Center for Glass Science and Technology of the University of Shiga Prefecture, at which an endowed chair has been established by NEG, and NEG to formulate research plans.

Program-Specific Professor Masuno gave a reassuring message: “In addition to such collaboration, I will promote collaboration with various institutions in Japan and overseas to create one of the large hubs of global glass research.”

Apparently, basic research on glass is low-profile and does not immediately produce visible results. However, it offers profound, infinite possibilities. In fact, glass, which is a familiar material, offers untapped possibilities, and its true nature is yet to be fully elucidated.

NEG will contribute to society by supporting research with a long-term perspective in line with NEG’s company philosophy, “We strive to build a brighter future for the world by uncovering the unlimited possibilities of glass for more advanced and creative manufacturing.”

Note: For the annual report of the Fundamental Glass Science Chair based on the trust method, click/tap here
Reference: NEG's R&D organization