SYMPOSIUM 28 – Raw Materials Innovation for Glass and Ceramic Manufacturing

Raw materials underpin the performance, cost, and sustainability of glass and ceramic products, yet the industry faces increasing challenges related to resource availability, quality variability, and environmental impact. This symposium will explore advances in the selection, processing, and utilization of raw materials across glass and ceramic systems, from traditional oxides (e.g., silica, alumina, feldspar) to alternative and recycled feedstocks. Emphasis will be placed on how raw material characteristics—including purity, particle size, and impurity content—affect melting/sintering behavior, microstructure, and final properties.

The session will also address emerging strategies for sustainable sourcing, circular material flows, and supply chain resilience in response to global cost pressures and environmental regulations.

By integrating industrial and academic perspectives, this symposium aims to identify pathways for robust, cost-effective, and low-carbon material solutions.

Session Topics:

Fundamental roles of raw materials in glass and ceramics
Raw material quality, variability, and process control
Alternative and non-traditional raw materials
Recycling, circularity, and secondary feedstocks
Sustainability and decarbonization through materials
Supply chain, cost, and resource security
Advanced characterization and modeling

Symposium Organizer(s):

Kathryn Goetschius, Corning Inc., USA
Jorgen Rufner, Idaho National Laboratory, USA
Chao Ma, Arizona State University, USA
Rob Thompson, Corning Inc., USA

Point(s) of Contact:

Kathryn Goetschius; goetschik@corning.com
Jorgen Rufner; Jorgen.Rufner@inl.gov
Chao Ma; chao_ma@asu.edu
Rob Thompson; ThompsonR3@corning.com

Division Sponsor(s):

Glass and Optical Materials Division
Manufacturing Division