Glassmaker Corning predicts increased demand for glass in 2011, boosted by more widespread use of tablet computers and smartphones.

In particular, the company's scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass, which is used in Motorola's Droid phones and Samsung's Galaxy Tab, is expected to be a key product as mobile devices take off around the world, Reuters reports.

Increased sales could in turn lead to greater demand for platinum and its alloys, which are used in the production of reinforced glass and liquid crystal displays.

Platinum is preferred because, unlike base metal alloys, it does not react to glass or oxidise at high temperatures.

"With smartphones, there is a lot more emphasis on the display and that opens up a big opportunity for Gorilla Glass," Reuters reports Kevin Landis, chief investment officer of Firsthand Technology Funds, as saying.

He added: "Corning is very well positioned on the worldwide trend of the rise in the global consumer class."

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Corning makes upbeat glass forecast, shares rise (04/02/11)

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