Thai researchers apply synchrotron technique to develop Thai historic glass

[News Bandit]

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Sept 6 - Researchers of the Synchrotron Light Research Institute (SLRI) Public Organisation have applied hi-tech synchrotron particle accelerator techniques to traditional glass research to develop prototypes of ancient Thai glass for restoration work at Thailand’s national historical sites in the future.

Director Sarawut Sujitjorn said that SLRI researchers have studied the vintage Thai glass used to decorate the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as initiated by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The study of the chemical components and atomic structure of samples of the several hundred year old glass is meant to develop a prototype period glass with the same properties and colours as the original.

This first and important work is paving the way for restoration of Thailand’s national historical sites in the future.

Now, the institute is in the experimentation process to melt and burn glass to replicate the design and nature of the original glass with shine and reflective qualities in the same hues and style of the original pieces. 

The institute ordered three glass burner ovens from China at a cost of more than Bt600,000 to reproduce the traditional glass. It is expected to take two to three years to succeed in making the complete ancient glass by synchrotron light. (MCOT online news)

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