German F de la Fuente
ICMA CSIC-University of Zaragoza, Spain
Title: The laser furnace: Enabling continuous processing of ceramics and glass under extreme conditions
Biography
Biography: German F de la Fuente
Abstract
Laser processing of ceramics and glass has been proposedas a method to enable a multitude of surface functionalities and unforeseen relevant applications, although laser-induced thermal shock has hindered full use of lasers within these industrial sectors. Most of the former materials suffer cracking and eventually, catastrophic failure as a consequence of accumulated thermo-mechanical stress. In order to avoid this problem, a patented device has been developed which combines continuous laser scanning with uniform movement of the samples across a roller kiln kept under a convenient temperature profile. This unprecedented methodology enables treatment of any surface at extreme temperatures, while the sample’s volume is kept at reasonably low temperatures. For example, BaZrO3 coatings melting near 3000ºC have been processed over Al2O3 substrates at temperatures around 2100ºC or over porcelain tiles at 1140ºC, insuring very robust coatings integrated at the atomic scale into the substrate. This talk will present the Laser Furnace models developed so far and will review the most relevant results obtained to date in glass and ceramics.