29th October 2026
Research & Development: Engineering the Next Generation of Glassflake
Innovation has been central to Glassflake since the company’s beginnings. From the development of its original rotary production process to increasingly thin, precisely engineered glass flakes, continued research and development has enabled Glassflake technology to evolve into an increasingly diverse range of applications.
Today, our R&D team continues to explore how developments in glass composition, flake morphology, manufacturing processes and surface technology can enhance material performance and open up new possibilities for customers.
Understanding materials at a microscopic level
Small changes in material characteristics can have a significant influence on performance.
Glassflake’s laboratory capabilities allow our team to examine characteristics including flake thickness, particle diameter, planarity, glass composition, dispersion and alignment. This detailed analysis supports both quality assurance and the development of new materials and applications.
By controlling characteristics such as flake thickness and particle size, Glassflake can engineer materials for different performance requirements across coatings, polymers, pigments and specialist applications.
From existing technology to new applications
Research & Development isn’t always about creating an entirely new material.
Sometimes the challenge is understanding how an existing Glassflake technology could perform within a new system, manufacturing process or end application. In other cases, the solution may involve changes to glass composition, particle morphology or surface treatment to meet a specific requirement. These are all areas in which Glassflake excel.
This approach has helped Glassflake technology expand well beyond its origins in anti-corrosive coatings into polymers, effect pigments and a growing range of specialist applications.
Collaboration that drives development
R&D also extends beyond our own laboratory.
Glassflake works with customers, external companies and academic institutions to explore new applications and develop material technologies. These collaborations combine our knowledge of engineered glass materials with specialist expertise from across different industries and research disciplines.
Recent research has included areas such as additive manufacturing, where Glassflake has investigated the incorporation of engineered glass flake into 3D-printing resin systems and its influence on mechanical properties.
Continuing to push the boundaries
From developing increasingly thin glass flakes to investigating new compositions, processes and applications, R&D remains an important part of how Glassflake continues to evolve.
It’s not simply about developing the next product. It’s about continually improving our understanding of engineered glass materials — and using that knowledge to help solve the next materials challenge.
Have a development project or application where engineered glass flake could make a difference? Contact the Glassflake team to discuss your requirements.
Morgan joined the Glassflake Team in 2021, combining his interest in chemistry and sales, as Sales Coordinator. Morgan’s is extremely well versed in our glassflake technology and passionate about communicating relevant information and supporting new and existing clients.
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