Fabrication of 2D and 3D shaped controlled porous glasses via selective laser sintering and its effect on glass structure and microstructure

Abstract

This paper presents the possibilities and effects of selective laser sintering (SLS) process during fabrication of two- and three-dimensional shaped controlled porous glass components. The influence of glass compositions on process-relevant parameters such as powder bed properties and laser parameters are described. In addition, the effects of SLS process on thermal properties, compositions, glass structure and microstructure is further demonstrated. Furthermore, the effects of SLS process on the production of nano-porous glasses are also discussed. Finally, a schematic model is developed which describes the irreversible and reversible SLS-induced changes on glass structure and microstructure including their effects during SLS process and production of controlled porous glasses with bimodal pore structure in the nanometer and micrometer range.