Nanoparticles - Potential risk during pulsed laser ablation

Abstract

Nanoparticles are generated as by-products during laser ablation with an amount of 50 – 90% of the overall particulate emissions. The quantity and size of particulate emission depends strongly on the laser type, feed rate and process gas. Laser ablation using ultrashort laser pulses leads to the highest relative release of nanoparticles. In order to provide safety-related statements on nanoparticles generated during laser materials processing, the particle size distribution during laser ablation of ten materials (metal, ceramic, polymer) is studied. The number frequency of nanoparticles may increase up to over 99% if nitrogen is used as process gas. Based on data of the concentration and particle size distribution, a risk assessment is carried out. The number concentration and the particle surface area of nanoparticles in the workplace area are compared with indicators of toxicological effects available in the literature. The number concentration after an 8 hour shift is up to 100 times higher than the background condition. Although the assessment shows that the nanoparticle concentrations are negligible compared to toxicological thresholds, sufficient capturement during laser ablation processes is strongly recommended.Nanoparticles are generated as by-products during laser ablation with an amount of 50 – 90% of the overall particulate emissions. The quantity and size of particulate emission depends strongly on the laser type, feed rate and process gas. Laser ablation using ultrashort laser pulses leads to the highest relative release of nanoparticles. In order to provide safety-related statements on nanoparticles generated during laser materials processing, the particle size distribution during laser ablation of ten materials (metal, ceramic, polymer) is studied. The number frequency of nanoparticles may increase up to over 99% if nitrogen is used as process gas. Based on data of the concentration and particle size distribution, a risk assessment is carried out. The number concentration and the particle surface area of nanoparticles in the workplace area are compared with indicators of toxicological effects available in the literature. The number concentration after an 8 hour shift is up to 100 times higher than the ba...