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Concepts for the circular economy

Material efficiency, the recycling of waste glass and reversible joining technologies are the focus of glass research at Delft University of Technology. The results of this work can be seen at glasstec 2024. 

Topologically optimised kiln-cast glass elements.
Topologically optimised kiln-cast glass elements. (a) grid shell node cast on silica plaster mould, (b) 4-point bending beams on 3D-printed sand moulds and (c) cantilever beam on silica plaster mould
Glass slumping using CNC knitted basalt mould process
Glass slumping using CNC knitted basalt mould process: (a) basalt mould before and after firing, (b) mould and glass in the kiln after slumping, (c) resulting double curved glass
Glass kiln-cast panels made from waste glass fragment
Glass kiln-cast panels made from waste glass fragments: (a) front screen of a cathode ray tube (CRT), (b) transition float glass from clear to blue, (c) CRT back screen and coloured crystal glass, (d) enamel float glass, (e) automotive glass and (f) oven doors
Prototypes of ReSolved project displaying the reversible, lead-free multi-material joining technology
Prototypes of ReSolved project displaying the reversible, lead-free multi-material joining technology: (a, c) bonded and (b) de-bonded prototypes

Researchers at TU Delft are exploring the circular use of glass, focusing on the three pillars of circularity: Reduce, Recycle and Reuse. To reduce material consumption, structural topology optimisation is implemented in a series of monolithic structural glass components. This ensures a design with maximum rigidity and minimum volume. All samples exhibited at glasstec 2024 are cast using different types of disposable moulds, pushing the boundaries of fabrication opportunities.

Taking the concept of reduction a step further, knitted basalt fibre moulds are used for slumping flat glass into double curved shapes. This innovative type of mould minimises the amount of mould material needed in comparison with a conventional slumping technique.

Cast glass from waste glass and reversible glass joining technologies

By mapping and utilising previously discarded waste glass, for example from the automotive and electronics industries as well as from architecture, the team at TU Delft has been able to develop innovative cast glass panels with possible applications in façade cladding, interior partitions and other areas of the built environment.

Finally in terms of reuse, a novel high-strength, yet reversible, joining technology is being developed based on lead-free solder. This technology is particularly suitable for multi-material components incorporating brittle materials such as engineered ceramics or glass.

Exhibitor contact

TU Delft
Delft, Netherlands
www.restructgroup-tudelft.nl