Our first foray into environmental clean air technologies began when we invented the cellular ceramic substrate five decades ago to help automakers meet U.S. Clean Air Act regulations. Today, we are as committed as ever to researching, developing, and engineering environmental technologies that improve the quality of the air we breathe.
Particulars about Corning Environmental Technologies
Facts and Figures
Facts and Figures about Corning Environmental Technologies
A breakthrough solution
To help automakers meet the 1970 Clean Air Act regulation, Corning developed a ceramic material, a manufacturing process and built its first factory in just 3 years.
> 2 billion
Since 1974, Corning has produced more than 2 billion Celcor® and FLORA® substrates. These substrates feature thousands of thin-walled parallel channels – up to 900 per square inch. These walls are as thin as a human hair.
More jobs
The U.S. mobile emissions controls industry accounts for about $23 billion of economic activity and 70,000 American jobs.
Fewer pollutants
Since 1970, the U.S. economy grew fourfold and air pollutants have dropped more than 70%.
Investment
Corning has invested more than $2 billion in its clean-air business over the last 45 years and holds more than 1,000 environmental technology patents.
The (in)visible impact
In a trip from NYC to LA and back (~5,600 miles), a large truck's diesel engine generates ~560g of soot particles. That nearly fills a 4-liter jar. When a Corning® DuraTrap® filter is added, the soot output drops to only 2.8 grams.
99%
Corning’s diesel filter technology captures up to 99% of soot particles. Thanks to these filters, exhaust from new vehicles is often cleaner than the air around it.
National Medal of Technology
National Medal of Technology
In the summer of 1971, a few young scientists laid the groundwork for Corning’s success in environmental technologies: Dr. Rod Bagley had the idea of using extrusion to make a cellular ceramic substrate, and eventually invented the honeycomb die. Meanwhile, Dr. Irwin Lachman developed the first cordierite-mullite composition and worked with Ronald Lewis to improve the composition.
The first successful extrusion of cordierite was in 1971. Corning branded the new ceramic substrate Celcor® and by the end of the year received its first order from Ford Motor Company.
In 2003, inventors Dr. Irwin Lachman, Dr. Rodney Bagley and Ronald Lewis were recognized for their pioneering work by the President of the United States and awarded the National Medal of Technology, the highest honor for achievements related to technological processes.
