温度・粘度
nucleation
Japanese: 核生成
The process by which crystal or colloidal seeds form. The starting point for decolorization and color development.
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Nucleation is the first stage in the crystallization of glass; it is the process by which a “nucleus” of a crystal forms within the amorphous glass structure. Nucleation tends to occur within a specific temperature range (the nucleation region), and the longer the residence time within this range, the greater the number of nuclei formed. Once a nucleus is formed, crystallization proceeds from that point.
In glass fusing, it is recommended to quickly pass through the temperature range (around 700–750°C) where nucleation is likely to occur in order to avoid devitrification. On the other hand, intentional crystallization (material design utilizing nucleation) also exists as a specialized expressive technique in glass art. Since a devitrification nucleus, once formed, does not disappear even with further heating, precise temperature control is essential.
This entry is written in Japanese by Rei Chikaoka and translated for readers outside Japan. If something reads oddly, the original is the source of truth.