Using a CO2 Laser-Firing as a Clean Production Method to Form an Electrical Conductivity Surface and Color-Changing on Craft Ceramic.

Craft ceramic is an old industry. Most craft clay needs to be fired in a kiln, but kilns are expensive and inefficient [Kiln firing thermal efficiency: Kiln body heat storage 18.67%, Exhaust Sensible Heat 45.9%, Heat loss from incomplete combustion 16.24%, Radiated Conduction and Other Loss of Heat 12.61%]. In order to change the color of ceramic, potters commonly use kiln reduction firing. This technique requires an additional step and more fuel, which creates more air pollution. In this study, we used a CO2 laser to fire craft clay and glaze. This process not only changes the ceramic’s color but also changes the conductivity of the ceramic’s surface. By changing the composition of the glaze, the ceramic’s surface resistance was altered. Most kiln-fired ceramics are non-conductive because oxides are combined by covalent bonds. During the laser firing process, the covalent bonds become metal bonds. This new firing technique produces ceramic products that are superior in terms of light, heat, magnetism, and electricity. Thus, laser firing adds more function to the final ceramic product than kiln firing does. As opposed to kiln firing, there is no air pollution associated with CO2 laser firing. In comparison to kiln firing, laser-firing reduces both heat waste and air pollution by 99%. This study is based on our patented laser ceramic reduction firing technique. (Taiwan, R.O.C Patent Number: I687394) We recommend additional studies into laser firing in order to collect more data on laser-based ceramic production. Range: 20W laser

Synthesis of Ytterbium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser Ceramic Nano-Powders by Carbonate Altogether Precipitation Method

Yb:YAG laser ceramic nanopowders were synthesized by the carbonate altogether precipitation method, and the thermal properties with structure and morphology characterized and analyzed by the measurements of TG-DTA, XRD, IRS, SEM. The results show that well-crystallized Yb:YAG nanopowders calcined at 900°C are obtained with higher sintering performance and purity, and the average diameter is in the range of 100 nm. The crystalline size grew with the increase of the heat treatment temperature. The size of powder calcined at 1100°C is about 70-150 nm with higher purity, regular shape and even particle size distribution, which is favorable for good sinterability of Yb:YAG ceramics.Key words: Yb; YAG laser ceramic powders; nanopowders synthesis; carbonate altogether precipitation method;