As a producer, processor and distributor of materials (glass, ceramics, plastics, cast iron, etc.), Saint-Gobain transforms raw materials into advanced products for use in our daily lives, as well as developing tomorrow's new materials. Saint-Gobain operates in 64 countries worldwide, s one of the world's hundred leading industrial corporations and is world leader in each of its competencies. The European Research Center of Cavaillon, France (Saint-Gobain CREE) which will be involved in this project belongs to the Innovative Materials Sector of the Saint-Gobain group. The R&D activity is specifically focused around the development of advanced ceramic products. Through its technical skills (tests, measurements and analysis) and support sections (library, patent rights, administration), called "Technical Services", the Centre gives on-going scientific, as well as logistical support to its Research teams. In total, about 220 researchers and technicians are deployed in various laboratories and workshops which are fully-equipped in order to carry out physical measurements, thermal testing, chemical analysis, microanalysis, fusion of oxides and ceramic processing.