About CGCRI
The Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI), established in 1944, is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), India. With its headquarters in Kolkata, West Bengal, CGCRI has been a pioneer in the field of glass, ceramics, and related materials science.
Our institute boasts a rich legacy of over seven decades, contributing significantly to national self-reliance in strategic and industrial sectors. We have developed indigenous technologies that have reduced import dependency and fostered innovation across multiple industries including construction, healthcare, energy, defense, and telecommunications.
The institute operates with a mission to conduct cutting-edge research, provide high-quality testing and certification services, offer specialized training, and facilitate technology transfer to industry partners. Our team of over 300 scientists, engineers, and technical staff work in state-of-the-art laboratories spread across three campuses in Kolkata, Khurja, and Naroda.
CGCRI’s research is aligned with national priorities such as ‘Make in India’, ‘Swachh Bharat’, and ‘Digital India’. We have filed more than 500 patents, published over 10,000 research papers, and transferred more than 200 technologies to industries. Our alumni hold prestigious positions globally, underscoring our commitment to excellence in education and research.
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75+ Years
Of pioneering research and innovation in materials science.
300+ Experts
Scientists, engineers, and technical staff driving excellence.
500+ Patents
Intellectual property filings demonstrating innovation.
200+ Transfers
Successful technology transfers to industry partners.
Our Research Divisions
Glass Science & Technology
This division focuses on the development of specialty glasses for optical, electronic, and biomedical applications. Research includes ultra-low expansion glasses, bioactive glasses for bone regeneration, glass fibers for reinforcement, and smart glasses for energy-efficient windows. Recent breakthroughs include lead-free radiation shielding glasses and high-strength glass microspheres for aerospace.
Our team works on melting techniques, glass forming, annealing, and characterization. We have developed indigenous technology for optical fiber preforms, saving millions in imports. Current projects involve glass-ceramics for dental restorations and glass-based sensors for environmental monitoring.
Ceramic & Composite Materials
Advanced ceramics research encompasses structural ceramics, electro-ceramics, bioceramics, and ceramic matrix composites. We develop high-temperature refractory materials for steel and cement industries, piezoelectric ceramics for sensors, and porous ceramics for water purification. Notable achievements include silicon carbide ceramics for armor applications and alumina-zirconia composites for cutting tools.
The division also works on additive manufacturing (3D printing) of ceramics, enabling complex geometries for medical implants and industrial components. Collaborative projects with DRDO and ISRO have yielded ceramics for missile radomes and satellite components.
Energy Materials
Focused on materials for renewable energy and storage, this division develops glass and ceramic components for solar cells, fuel cells, batteries, and supercapacitors. Research includes transparent conducting oxides for photovoltaics, solid oxide fuel cell electrolytes, and ceramic separators for lithium-ion batteries. We have patented a low-cost method for producing perovskite solar cells with enhanced stability.
Our work on thermal energy storage materials using phase-change ceramics has applications in concentrated solar power plants. We also collaborate on national missions for hydrogen economy and electric mobility.
Process Engineering & Instrumentation
This division designs and optimizes manufacturing processes for glass and ceramic products. Research includes furnace design, kiln optimization, waste heat recovery, and pollution control. We have developed energy-efficient melting furnaces that reduce fuel consumption by 30%. Our instrumentation group creates specialized equipment for non-destructive testing, thermal analysis, and microstructure characterization.
Recent innovations include an online thickness monitor for float glass lines and a robotic system for ceramic tile inspection. We provide consultancy to industries for process improvement and quality enhancement.
Key Research Facilities
Our Services
Testing & Certification
CGCRI offers comprehensive testing services for glass, ceramics, and related materials. Our NABL-accredited laboratories perform mechanical, thermal, optical, chemical, and electrical tests as per national and international standards (ISO, ASTM, BIS). Services include chemical durability testing, fracture toughness measurement, thermal expansion coefficient determination, and emissivity testing. We issue test reports and certificates for quality assurance, product certification, and regulatory compliance. Industries served include construction, automotive, electronics, and healthcare.
Training & Education
We conduct specialized training programs for industry professionals, academicians, and students. Courses cover glass technology, ceramic engineering, materials characterization, and quality control. CGCRI also offers a Ph.D. program in collaboration with AcSIR (Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research). Short-term workshops on topics like refractory selection, glass furnace operation, and ceramic processing are held regularly. Our e-learning portal provides access to recorded lectures and course materials. Internship opportunities are available for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Technology Transfer & Consultancy
We facilitate the transfer of developed technologies to industry through licensing agreements. Our portfolio includes technologies for glass bottle manufacturing, ceramic tile production, optical fiber coating, and waste glass recycling. Consultancy services cover plant design, process optimization, trouble-shooting, and energy audits. We assist startups in prototyping and scaling up innovations. CGCRI has partnered with over 500 small, medium, and large enterprises across India and abroad, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
Service Request Process
Step 1: Inquiry Submission
Clients submit an inquiry via our online portal, email, or phone. Provide details about the material, required tests, or consultancy needs.
Step 2: Quotation & Agreement
We prepare a detailed quotation including cost, timeline, and terms. Upon acceptance, a service agreement is signed.
Step 3: Sample Submission & Analysis
Clients send samples to our lab. Our experts perform the agreed tests or studies using advanced equipment.
Step 4: Report Delivery & Support
Comprehensive report with results, analysis, and recommendations is delivered. Post-service support is provided for clarification.
Featured Projects
Indigenous Optical Fiber Preform
Developed a fully indigenous technology for manufacturing optical fiber preforms using Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition (MCVD). This project reduced import dependency and cut costs by 40%. The technology has been transferred to three Indian companies, creating capacity for 2 million fiber-km per year.
Duration: 2018-2022 | Funding: ₹15 crores from MeitY
Low-Cost Ceramic Water Filters
Designed and deployed ceramic water filters using local clay and rice husk for arsenic and fluoride removal in rural West Bengal. Over 50,000 units installed, providing safe drinking water to 200,000 people. The project won the National Innovation Award in 2021.
Duration: 2019-2023 | Funding: ₹5 crores from DST
Energy-Efficient Glass Furnace
Developed an oxygen-fuel combustion furnace for glass melting that reduces energy consumption by 35% and cuts NOx emissions by 80%. Successfully implemented in 10 medium-scale glass plants across India, resulting in annual savings of ₹50 lakhs per plant.
Duration: 2020-2023 | Funding: ₹8 crores from MNRE
Latest News & Events
News Updates
CGCRI Scientists Develop Lead-Free Radiation Shielding Glass
June 15, 2023
A team at CGCRI has developed a novel barium-borate based glass that provides effective shielding against X-rays and gamma rays without using toxic lead. This eco-friendly material is poised to replace lead glass in medical and nuclear facilities. The technology is ready for commercialization.
Read MoreMoU Signed with IIT Kharagpur for Advanced Materials Research
May 22, 2023
CGCRI has entered into a strategic partnership with IIT Kharagpur to establish a joint research center on ‘Advanced Glass and Ceramic Composites’. The center will focus on AI-driven materials design and additive manufacturing, with an initial grant of ₹20 crores.
Read MoreInternational Conference on Glass (ICG) 2024 to be Hosted by CGCRI
April 10, 2023
CGCRI will host the 26th International Congress on Glass in Kolkata in November 2024. Expected to attract over 1500 delegates from 50 countries, the event will showcase the latest advancements in glass science and technology.
Read MoreUpcoming Events
Workshop on Ceramic Additive Manufacturing
July 25-27, 2023Hands-on training on 3D printing of ceramics for industrial applications. Limited seats available.
Venue: CGCRI Kolkata CampusWebinar: Sustainable Glass Recycling Technologies
August 10, 2023Expert talks on converting waste glass into value-added products. Free registration.
Online via ZoomIndustry Meet: Opportunities in Refractories
September 5, 2023Networking event for refractory manufacturers and users to discuss challenges and solutions.
Venue: CGCRI Khurja CentreSubscribe to Our Newsletter
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Contact Information
Headquarters:
Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute
196, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata - 700032
West Bengal, India
Phone: +91-33-2473-3496, +91-33-2473-3497
Fax: +91-33-2473-3498
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.yxdsdldqc.com
Regional Centres
- CGCRI Khurja Centre: Glass & Ceramic Park, Khurja - 203131, Uttar Pradesh
- CGCRI Naroda Centre: GIDC Estate, Naroda - 382330, Gujarat