Method for granulating chalcogenide glass rods to produce a homogeneous raw material for injection molding.

Abstract

A system for granulating glass is disclosed. The system includes a glass filament, a guide plate, rollers, a cutting wheel, and protective features. The glass filament has an elongated body. The guide plate defines a channel extending between opposing first and second ends. The channel slidably supports the glass filament for advancing through it. The roller has a contact surface configured to continuously engage with the glass filament and advance it through the channel and out through the second end. The cutting wheel has teeth configured to pass adjacent to the channel at the second end and cut the glass filament into granules as it is advanced through the second end. The protective features are configured to protect the glass filament and the granules from defects as they are advanced through the channel and cut into the granules.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 603,797, filed November 29, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 724,647, filed November 25, 2024, pursuant to 35 USC § 119, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to glass injection molding. Specifically, this disclosure relates to processes and equipment for injection molding chalcogenide glasses. Background Technology

[0004] Commercial injection molding of glass typically involves a pre-reacted glass medium encapsulated in a secondary material, allowing the material to flow through an injection molding system and be molded into parts. The applicant has developed a process and apparatus for injection molding of cryogenic glasses, such as chalcogenide glasses, to produce optical devices without a secondary encapsulating agent. Chalcogenide glasses are non-oxide glasses comprising one or more of chalcogen elements (e.g., Group VIA elements, CAS nomenclature) sulfur (S), selenium (Se), and tellurium (Te), and one or more metals and / or half-metals (e.g., metalloids). Chalcogenide glasses are primarily transmissive in the infrared (IR) wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This relatively high IR transmittance is an important property enabling chalcogenide glasses to be used in a variety of IR applications, such as IR lenses and similar optical devices for military, hunting, automotive, marine, and medical applications.

[0005] The feedstock for injection-molded chalcogenide glasses was previously produced by crushing As₂Se₃-like glass blanks into a quasi-homogeneous feedstock. The glass feedstock can be crushed to, for example, -8 / +30 mesh. It has been found that the fine powder generated during crushing adheres to larger particles due to the electrical properties of chalcogenide glasses. The presence of such glass fine powder in the process is considered acceptable because it does not burn in the associated polymer injection molding like plastic fine powder. However, it has been further found that glass fine powder can generate bubble inclusions and cause crystalline particles to accumulate in the melt zone of the injection molding system; these crystalline particles are otherwise irremovable. When bubble inclusions are present at a sufficient lens volume fraction, they can lead to a reduction in IR transmittance through the glass lens formed via injection molding. The high variability in feedstock shape and size due to the crushing process can also cause reduced IR transmittance and other defects. Screening (ultra)fine glass powder from the feedstock produced by blank crushing can result in unacceptable material loss.

[0006] Therefore, it would be advantageous to develop a new raw material forming apparatus and a method for manufacturing more uniform raw materials using said apparatus to overcome the aforementioned problems. It would be further advantageous to provide a glass article, such as a lens, formed via injection molding with reduced bubble inclusions and improved IR transmittance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to aspect (1), a system for granulating glass is provided. The system comprises: a glass filament having an elongated body; a guide plate defining a channel extending through the guide plate between opposing first and second ends, the channel being configured to slidably support the glass filament for advance through the channel; a roller having a contact surface configured to engage the glass filament and advance the glass filament through the channel and out the second end when the roller rotates about a first axis; a cutting wheel having teeth configured to pass adjacent to the channel at the second end when the cutting wheel rotates about a second axis; the teeth being configured to cut the glass filament into granules when the glass filament is out of the second end; and a protective feature configured to protect the glass filament and the granules from defects when the glass filament is advanced through the channel and cut into the granules.

[0008] According to aspect (2), a system according to aspect (1) is provided, wherein the protective feature includes a cut in the guide plate, the cut being spaced apart from and close to the second end and exposing a portion of the channel, and the contact surface of the roller being continuously engaged with the glass filament within the cut.

[0009] According to aspect (3), a system according to aspect (2) is provided, wherein the contact surface of the roller is configured to brace the glass filament against the support surface of the guide plate when the glass filament is pushed through the channel, the support surface being exposed within the cut.

[0010] According to aspect (4), a system according to aspect (2) or aspect (3) is provided, wherein the guide plate includes (i) a grooved plate defining a top surface and a side surface of the channel between a first end and a second end, and (ii) a bottom plate positioned against the grooved plate to define a bottom surface of the channel for a portion of the guide plate between the first end and the cut.

[0011] According to aspect (5), a system according to aspect (4) is provided, wherein the top surface of the channel corresponds to the support surface, and the roller is configured to support the glass filament against the support surface.

[0012] According to aspect (6), a system according to aspect (4) is provided, wherein the protective feature includes a narrowing of the channel along the tip portion of the groove plate near the second end.

[0013] According to aspect (7), a system according to aspect (6) is provided, wherein the channel along the tip portion leads to the bottom side of the grooved plate, and wherein a bottom buckle is positioned against the bottom side of the grooved plate to define a bottom surface along the channel along the tip portion.

[0014] According to aspect (8), a system according to aspect (7) is provided, wherein one or more of the top surface defined by the grooved plate and the bottom surface defined by the bottom buckle plate form the narrowing of the channel corresponding to the protective feature.

[0015] According to aspect (9), a system according to aspect (8) is provided, wherein a top snap plate is positioned along the tip portion to abut against the top side of the grooved plate, the tip portion of the grooved plate being positioned between the top snap plate and the bottom snap plate.

[0016] According to aspect (10), a system according to any one of aspects (1) to (9) is provided, wherein the protective feature comprises a material of the contact surface of the roller, the material being configured to be soft so as to partially wrap the glass filament as it is advanced through the channel.

[0017] According to aspect (11), a system according to any one of aspects (1) to (9) is provided, wherein the protective feature comprises a soft film covering the contact surface, the soft film being configured to partially wrap around the glass filament when the glass filament is advanced through the channel.

[0018] According to aspect (12), in the system according to any one of the preceding aspects, the glass filament comprises a plurality of glass filaments, and the guide plate defines a plurality of channels extending substantially parallel therethrough between a first end and a second end of the guide plate, each channel being configured to slidably support a corresponding glass filament for advancement through the channel.

[0019] According to aspect (13), in any of the preceding aspects, the glass filament comprises a chalcogenide glass.

[0020] According to aspect (14), a method for granulating glass is provided. The method includes: advancing a glass filament having an elongated body through a channel defined by a guide plate and extending between its opposing first and second ends, the channel being configured to slidably support the glass filament during the advancing; cutting the glass filament into granules while simultaneously pushing the glass filament out of the second end of the guide plate; and protecting the glass filament and the granules from defects during the advancing and cutting using protective features.

[0021] According to aspect (15), a method according to aspect (14) is provided, wherein advancing the glass filament comprises engaging the glass filament with a contact surface of a roller configured to rotate about a first axis.

[0022] According to aspect (16), a method according to aspect (14) or aspect (15) is provided, wherein cutting the glass filament into granules comprises rotating a cutting wheel about a second axis and, during the advance, causing the teeth of the cutting wheel to pass adjacent to the channel at the second end of the guide plate.

[0023] According to aspect (17), a method according to any one of aspects (14) to (16) is provided, wherein the protective feature comprises a cut in the guide plate, the cut being spaced apart from and close to the second end and exposing a portion of the channel, wherein during the advance and the cutting, the contact surface of the roller continuously engages with the glass filament within the cut.

[0024] According to aspect (18), a method according to aspect (17) is provided, wherein the contact surface of the roller is configured to support the glass filament against the support surface of the guide plate, the support surface being exposed within the cut during the advance and the cut.

[0025] According to aspect (19), a method according to aspect (18) is provided, wherein the guide plate comprises (i) a grooved plate defining a top surface and a side surface of the channel, and (ii) a bottom plate positioned against the grooved plate to define a bottom surface of the channel.

[0026] According to aspect (20), a method according to aspect (19) is provided, wherein the top surface of the channel corresponds to the support surface, and the roller is configured to brace the glass filament against the support surface during the advance and the cut.

[0027] According to aspect (21), a method according to aspect (19) is provided, wherein the protective feature includes a narrowing of the channel along the tip portion of the groove plate near the second end.

[0028] According to aspect (22), a method according to aspect (21) is provided, wherein the channel along the tip portion leads to the bottom side of the grooved plate, and wherein a bottom buckle is positioned against the bottom side of the grooved plate to define a bottom surface along the channel along the tip portion.

[0029] According to aspect (23), a method according to aspect (22) is provided, wherein one or more of the top surface defined by the grooved plate and the bottom surface defined by the bottom buckle plate form the narrowing of the channel corresponding to the protective feature.

[0030] According to aspect (24), a method according to aspect (23) is provided, wherein a top snap plate is positioned along the tip portion to abut against the top side of the grooved plate, the tip portion of the grooved plate being positioned between the top snap plate and the bottom snap plate.

[0031] According to aspect (25), a method according to any one of aspects (15) to (24) is provided, wherein the protective feature comprises a material of the contact surface of the roller, the material being configured to be soft so as to partially wrap the glass filament during the advance and the cut.

[0032] According to aspect (26), a method according to any one of aspects (15) to (24) is provided, wherein the protective feature comprises a soft film covering the contact surface, the soft film being configured to partially wrap the glass filament during the advance and the cut.

[0033] According to aspect (27), a method according to any one of aspects (14) to (26) is provided, wherein advancing the glass filament through the channel comprises advancing a plurality of glass filaments through a plurality of channels, the plurality of channels extending substantially parallel through the guide plate between a first end and a second end, each channel being configured to slidably support a corresponding glass filament during the advancing and the cutting.

[0034] According to aspect (28), a method according to any one of aspects (14) to (27) is provided, wherein the glass precursor comprises a chalcogenide glass.

[0035] According to aspect (29), a method according to any one of aspects (14) to (28) is provided, wherein the glass filament is advanced and cut with corresponding parameters such that the agglomerates have a target size distribution, and wherein the material utilization rate of the method is greater than 90% based on a comparison of the mass of the glass filament before cutting with the mass of the agglomerates cut from the glass filament and falling into the target size distribution.

[0036] According to aspect (30), a method according to aspect (29) is provided, wherein the target size distribution corresponds to a sieve mesh combination of -4 / +20 according to the American Standard Sieve Series (ASTM E11).

[0037] According to aspect (31), a method according to aspect (29) is provided, wherein the target size distribution corresponds to a sieve mesh combination of -8 / +18 according to the American Standard Sieve Series (ASTM E11).

[0038] According to aspect (32), a method according to aspect (29) is provided, wherein the target size distribution corresponds to a sieve mesh combination of -8 / +10 according to the American Standard Sieve Series (ASTM E11).

[0039] According to aspect (33), a method according to any one of aspects (14) to (32) is provided, wherein the glass filament has a diameter in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

[0040] According to aspect (34), a method according to any one of aspects (14) to (32) is provided, wherein the glass filament has a diameter in the range of about 2 mm to about 2.5 mm.

[0041] According to aspect (35), a method according to any one of aspects (14) to (34) is provided, wherein the glass filament is cut to a length ranging from about 1 mm to about 3 mm to form the agglomerates.

[0042] According to aspect (36), a method according to any one of aspects (14) to (34) is provided, wherein the glass filament is cut to a length ranging from about 2 mm to about 2.5 mm to form the agglomerates.

[0043] According to aspect (37), a method for producing glass articles is provided. The method comprises: forming or obtaining a granular raw material using the method according to any one of aspects (14) to (36), the granular raw material comprising chalcogenide glass granules; and performing a hot-melt process on the granular raw material to produce the glass articles.

[0044] According to aspect (38), a method according to aspect (37) is provided, wherein the hot melt processing includes injection molding, extrusion, transfer molding, contour extraction or hot stamping.

[0045] According to aspect (39), a method according to aspect (37) is provided, wherein the hot melt process includes injection molding.

[0046] According to aspect (40), a method according to any one of aspects (37) to (39) is provided, wherein the injection molding introduces (tiny) air bubbles into the glass article.

[0047] According to aspect (41), a method according to any one of aspects (37) to (40) is provided, wherein the chalcogenide glass comprises selenium, arsenic and a dopant selected from the group consisting of gallium, germanium, indium, antimony, tin or a combination thereof.

[0048] According to aspect (42), a glass article is provided. The glass article comprises: a body having a first volume of chalcogenide glass, the body being formed by an injection molding process; and a plurality of bubble inclusions disposed together with the first volume, the bubble inclusions having a second volume significantly smaller than the first volume, wherein the body contains a transmittance having a slope in the range of about 0.02 to about 0.25 in a wavelength range of about 3 µm to about 10 µm.

[0049] According to aspect (43), a glass article according to aspect (42) is provided, wherein the slope of the transmittance is in the range of about 0.04 to about 0.22 within the wavelength range.

[0050] According to aspect (44), a glass article according to aspect (42) or aspect (43) is provided, wherein the volume fraction of the second volume of the bubble inclusions to the first volume of the body is less than or equal to 3.2 × 10⁻⁶. -5 .

[0051] According to aspect (45), a glass article according to any one of aspects (42) to (44) is provided, wherein the bubble inclusions are substantially aligned within the body along the flow of the chalcogenide glass during the injection molding process.

[0052] According to aspect (46), a glass article according to any one of aspects (42) to (45) is provided, wherein the first volume of the body is about 0.1 cm. 3 approximately 10 cm 3 Within the range. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a granulator system, which includes a guide plate and rollers configured to protect the glass filaments as they are pushed through a channel in the guide plate for granulation via a cutting wheel.

[0054] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An adaptation of the schematic diagram, showing glass filaments being propelled through the granulator system and granulated by a cutting wheel;

[0055] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a guide plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of another guide plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 5 It is the section that passes through line AA. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the guide plate;

[0058] Figure 6 It is the section cut along line BB that passes through. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the guide plate;

[0059] Figure 7 It is the section that passes through the line CC. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the guide plate;

[0060] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a method for granulating glass according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 9-12 Is using Figure 1 and 2 Digital images of particles of different sizes formed during granulation tests in an embodiment of the granulation system;

[0062] Figure 13 It is a glass disc molded from crushed raw materials and made by passing through Figure 1 and 2 A graph showing the relative transmittance of glass disks molded from granulated raw materials obtained by the granulation system against wavelength.

[0063] Figure 14 A digital image of a sample glass disk molded from granular raw material is shown; and

[0064] Figure 15 and 16 X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) images obtained by means of two different portions of a sample disk molded from granular raw material according to Example 3 are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0065] To facilitate an understanding of the principles of this disclosure, reference will now be made to embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following written description. It should be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. It should be further understood that this disclosure includes any changes and modifications to the illustrated embodiments, and includes further applications of the principles disclosed herein that would commonly occur to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0066] As used herein, when used for a list of two or more items, the term "and / or" means that any one of the listed items may be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain only A; only B; only C; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0067] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0068] As used herein, the term "about" means that a quantity, size, formulation, parameter, and other quantity and characteristic is not and does not need to be precise, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as required, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe a value or range endpoint, this disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint mentioned. Regardless of whether a numerical or range endpoint in the specification is described with "about," the numerical or range endpoint is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about." It should be further understood that each range endpoint is meaningful whether it is related to or not related to another endpoint.

[0069] Concentration, quantity, and other numerical data may be expressed or presented in range format herein. It should be understood that such range format is used solely for convenience and brevity, and therefore should be flexibly interpreted to include not only the numerical values ​​explicitly stated as the limits of the range, but also all individual numerical values ​​or subranges encompassed within said range, as if each numerical value and subrange were explicitly stated. For example, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly stated values ​​of about 1 to about 5, but also the individual values ​​and subranges within the indicated range. Thus, this numerical range includes individual values ​​such as 2, 3, and 4, and subranges such as 1-3, 2-4, 3-5, as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 individually. The same principle applies to ranges that list only one numerical value as a minimum or maximum value. Furthermore, this interpretation should apply regardless of how broad the range is or what characteristics it describes.

[0070] Unless defined elsewhere in association with a particular term or phrase, the terms “substantially,” “basically,” and their variations as used herein are intended to indicate that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially flat” surface is intended to mean a flat or substantially flat surface. Furthermore, “substantially” is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may mean values ​​that differ from each other by about 10%, such as values ​​that differ from each other by about 5%, or values ​​that differ from each other by about 2%.

[0071] As used herein, directional terms (e.g., up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, etc.) are formulated only with reference to the accompanying drawings and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0072] As used herein, the terms “the” and “a / an” mean “at least one” and should not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Thus, for example, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise, references to “component” include embodiments having two or more such components.

[0073] Now for reference Figure 1 and 2A system 10 for granulating glass is shown. System 10 typically includes a feed zone 100, a cutting zone 200, and a collection zone 300. The feed zone 100 is configured to feed glass filaments (e.g., “glass filaments” 114 hereinafter) into the cutting zone 200, while utilizing one or more protective features to protect the generally fragile glass filaments 114 from defects arising from granulation. As used herein, a “defect” can include unintended breakage, fragmentation, and / or similar damage to the glass filaments 114, which may be caused by non-axial movement, flexure, and vibration of the glass filaments 114 during granulation. The cutting zone 200 is configured to cut the glass filaments 114 into smaller segments of controlled / specific length (hereinafter referred to as “clumps” or “glass clumps” 214). The collection zone 300 is configured to collect the glass clumps 214 for use as a homogeneous feedstock in other processes, such as glass injection molding.

[0074] Glass filament 114 can be formed by any process, including online / online processes or separate offline processes. In an exemplary embodiment, glass filament 114 is formed from chalcogenide glass using a glass extrusion process. In other embodiments, glass filament 114 can be formed from other glasses. Chalcogenide glass can be synthesized from raw materials (starting materials) in a batch process via ampoule melting technology to produce a chalcogenide glass blank. An example of the synthesis of a chalcogenide glass blank for injection molding is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,116,888 B1, filed April 13, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In an embodiment, the chalcogenide glass blank contains 1% Ge, 38.8% As, and 60.2% Se in atomic percentages.

[0075] Once formed, the ends of the glass preform are removed, and the glass preform is loaded into an extruder. The extruder is heated to the softening point of the glass (e.g., about 315°C), and the pusher is activated to extrude the glass rod at a predetermined rate (e.g., 0.3 mm / min) while adjusting the speed of the extruder traction rollers to draw the rod and obtain a substantially constant diameter. The speed of the extruder traction rollers can be adjusted to produce rods of different diameters. The extruded rod is then annealed according to an annealing procedure (e.g., 175°C for 3 hours) to form glass filaments 114 for granulation. After forming, each glass filament 114 has a continuous elongated body with a target diameter. The glass filament 114 can be formed to have any length (e.g., about 300 mm to about 925 mm) and any diameter (e.g., about 0.5 mm to about 3.5 mm). In an exemplary embodiment, the glass filament 114 is formed to have a diameter of about 2.25 mm and a length of about 762 mm (e.g., 2.5 ft).

[0076] Once formed, the glass precursor 114 can be loaded into system 10 for granulation. Now refer to... Figure 1-7 Describe System 10. Figure 1 and 2 It has ( Figure 2 ) and not having ( Figure 1 The diagram depicts almost identical schematic representations of the various components of the system 10 in which the glass filament 114 is advanced. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, system 10 includes a guide plate 118, rollers 122, cutting rollers 218, and one or more protective features 130, which cooperate to granulate glass filaments 114. The guide plate 118 is configured to define a channel 134 extending through the guide plate between a first end 138 (e.g., an inlet end) and a second end 142 (e.g., an outlet end) opposite the first end 138. The channel 134 is configured to slidably support the glass filaments 114 to advance through the channel 134 and exit through the second end 142.

[0077] In an embodiment, the guide plate 118 may be configured to define a plurality of channels 134 extending substantially parallel through the guide plate 118 between a first end 138 and a second end 142. The channels 134 are configured to slidably support a plurality of glass filaments 114, which are respectively advanced through the channels and exit from the second end 142 of the guide plate 118. Figure 5-7 (They are respectively along) Figure 2 As best shown in the cross-sectional view (cut by lines AA, BB, and CC through guide plate 118), channels 134 are substantially aligned along a common plane. In an exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 3-7 As shown, guide plate 118 defines at least ten channels 134, which are configured to slidably support ten glass filaments 114 to be advanced through the channels and out of the second end 142 of guide plate 118.

[0078] According to one aspect, the protective feature 130 includes a cutout 130a in the guide plate 118. For example... Figure 1 As best shown, the cut 130a is positioned (e.g., spaced apart) between the first end 138 and the second end 142, near the second end 142 of the guide plate 118. Figure 3 and 4 (It is a perspective view of an embodiment of guide plate 118) and Figure 7 As shown in the cross-sectional view, cut 130a exposes a portion of channel 134. Cut 130a also exposes the support surface 146 of guide plate 118. Figure 1 and 7 ).

[0079] Refer again Figure 1-7 The guide plate 118 includes a grooved (top) plate 150 and a bottom plate 154 positioned abutting against the bottom side of the grooved plate 150. The grooved plate 150 has a recess configured to define a top and side surface of a channel 134 between a first end 138 and a second end 142, as shown in the image. Figure 5-7 As shown in the optimal configuration. Channel 134 leads to the bottom side of groove plate 150, such that when bottom plate 154 is positioned against the bottom side of groove plate 150, as... Figure 1-3 As shown in Figure 5, the base plate 154 is configured to define the bottom surface of the channel 134 for a portion of the guide plate 118 between the first end 138 and the cutout 130a. Although the channel 134 is depicted as having a square / rectangular cross-sectional profile, in other embodiments, the channel 134 may have any cross-sectional shape, such as elliptical or circular.

[0080] The groove plate 150 defines a support surface 146 within the cut 130a, and the top surface of the channel 134 corresponds to the support surface 146 within the cut 130a, as shown. Figure 1 and 7 As shown in the best example. Figure 7 As best shown, cut 130a is configured to expose channel 134 such that the height of the side surface from the top surface of the channel (e.g., support surface 146) is less than the height and / or diameter of glass filament 114, such that glass filament 114 protrudes beyond the side surface of channel 134 within cut 130a. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the side surface from the top surface of the channel (e.g., support surface 146) is approximately 1 mm, such that when the diameter of glass filament 114 is at least 2 mm, 1 mm or more of glass filament 114 protrudes beyond the side surface.

[0081] According to one aspect, the protective feature 130 includes a narrowing 130b of the channel 134 along the tip portion of the second end 142 of the grooved plate 150 near the guide plate 118. Figure 1 The narrowing 130b of channel 130 occurs in the advancing direction of glass filament 114 from the first end 138 toward the second end (e.g., relative to...). Figure 1 (View from left to right). As used herein, “narrowing” means that the size (e.g., cross-sectional area) of the channel 134 becomes smaller in the advancing direction. In an embodiment, the size of the channel 134 at its narrowest / smallest portion is maintained sufficiently to allow the glass filament 114 to advance freely through the channel and emerge from the second end 142. This narrowing of the channel 134 further supports and stabilizes the glass filament 114 as it advances through the channel, which helps protect the glass filament 114 from defects during granulation.

[0082] Now for reference Figure 1 , 3 4 and 6, a portion of channel 134 along its tip is configured to lead to the underside of grooved plate 150. In an embodiment, guide plate 118 includes a top snap plate 158 and a bottom snap plate 162, which surround the tip portion of grooved plate 150 at a second end 142. Bottom snap plate 162 is positioned against the underside of grooved plate 150 to define a bottom surface of channel 134 along its tip portion. In an embodiment, one or more of the top surface defined by grooved plate 150 and the bottom surface defined by bottom snap plate 162 form a narrowing 130b of channel 134 corresponding to protective feature 130.

[0083] According to one aspect, the various features of the guide plate 118, including the grooved plate 150, the base plate 154, the top snap plate 158, and the bottom snap plate 162, as well as the fasteners for connecting these features, can be formed of metal (such as 1018 steel). Metal materials can provide better durability and dimensional control than comparable fasteners formed of other materials (such as plastics).

[0084] Now for reference Figure 1 , 2 7. Roller 122 has a contact surface 166 configured to engage with glass filament 114 and advance glass filament 114 through channel 134 and out through second end 142 when roller 122 rotates about a first axis 170 (e.g., in a clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow about the first axis 170). The contact surface 166 of roller 122 (or the soft membrane described below) is configured to continuously engage with glass filament 114 within cut 130a. According to one aspect, as part of a protective feature associated with cut 130a, contact surface 166 is configured to brace glass filament 114 against support surface 146 (e.g., defined by the grooved plate 150 of guide plate 118), which is exposed within cut 130a as glass filament 114 is advanced through channel 134.

[0085] Refer again Figure 1According to one aspect, the protective feature 130 includes a material 130c of the contact surface 166 of the roller 122. This material is configured to be soft so as to partially envelop the glass filament 114 as it is advanced through the channel 134. As used herein, “soft” is characterized relative to the glass of the granulated glass filament 114. Considerations associated with the level of “softness” include material 130c that (i) does not damage the glass filament 114 and does not cause defects, (ii) provides sufficient friction to advance the glass filament 114 through the channel 134, and (iii) is suitable for long-term operation of the system 10 without requiring heavy maintenance and / or frequent component replacement. In embodiments, “soft” may refer to a material having a Shore A hardness in the range of about 20A to about 40A, or about 25A to about 35A, or about 30A.

[0086] Now for reference Figure 2 and 7 According to one aspect, the protective feature includes a soft membrane 130d covering (e.g., surrounding) the contact surface 166 (e.g., made of...). Figure 2 (The thick line indicates this). The soft film 130d is configured to hold the glass filament 114 for advancement without causing defects such as breakage. Similar to the soft material 130c of the contact surface 166, the soft film 130d is configured to partially wrap around the glass filament 114 as it is advanced through the channel 134. Considerations regarding the “softness” level of the soft film 130d include the same considerations discussed regarding the soft material 130c of the contact surface 166.

[0087] Refer again Figure 1 and 2 The cutting wheel 218 has teeth 222 configured to pass adjacent to the channel 134 at a second end 142 when the cutting wheel 218 rotates about a second axis 226 (e.g., in the counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow about the second axis 226). The teeth 222 are configured to cut the glass filament 114 into clumps 214 when it is pushed out of the second end 142. Figure 2 As shown in the best embodiment, after being cut by the cutting wheel 218, the pellets 214 fall in the general direction of the chute 314 configured to capture and store the pellets 214.

[0088] The protective features corresponding to the soft material 130c of the contact surface 166 and the soft film 130d surrounding the contact surface 166 can cooperate with the protective features corresponding to the cut 130a to protect the glass filament 114 from defects caused by granulation. More specifically, the position of the cut 130a near the second end 142 allows the soft materials 130c, 130d of the rollers 122 to hold the glass filament 114 against the groove plate 150 for short linear translation of the glass filament 114 from the cut 130a to the cutting wheel 218 adjacent to the second end 142 of the channel 134. The protective features corresponding to the narrowing 130b of the channel 134 along the tip portion of the groove plate 150 can also cooperate with the position of the cut 130a and the soft materials 130c, 130d of the rollers 122 to further stabilize and protect the glass filament 114 from defects during granulation.

[0089] In an embodiment, parameters of system 10 can be adjusted to achieve a desired size distribution and material utilization of the granules 214 cut from glass filament 114, for example, by controlling the (linear) feed rate (e.g., the rotational speed of roller 122 about a first axis 170), the rotational speed of cutting wheel 218 about a second axis 226, and the length of the cut granules 214. In an embodiment, the diameter of glass filament 114 can be varied with the aforementioned system parameters to produce granules of a predetermined length (e.g., from about 2 mm to about 2.25 mm) to preferably achieve a narrow size distribution and reduce material waste.

[0090] Now for reference Figure 8 A flowchart of a method 700 for granulating glass is shown. According to one aspect, method 700 can utilize a granulator system (as shown in reference...) Figure 1-7 The method is performed by the (granulator) system 10. Method 700 typically includes steps 704, 708, and 712. In step 704, the method includes advancing a glass filament 114 having an elongated body through a channel 134 defined by a guide plate 118 and extending between its opposing first end 138 and second end 142. The channel 134 is configured to slidably support the glass filament 114 during advancement.

[0091] In step 708, method 700 includes cutting glass filament 114 into granules 214 using a cutting wheel 218, while simultaneously pushing the glass filament 114 out of the second end 142 of the guide plate 118 using a roller 122.

[0092] In step 712, method 700 includes protecting the glass filaments 114 and granules 214 from defects during the advancing (step 704) and cutting (step 708) processes using the protective feature 130. Protecting the glass filaments 114 and granules 214 from defects caused by granulation may include implementing the above-referenced... Figure 1-7 The described protective features are one or more of the following: 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d.

[0093] The systems and methods disclosed herein for granulating glass offer numerous advantages, particularly over those for granulating plastics. Glass is typically brittle, while plastics can undergo plastic deformation and avoid breakage, and plastic granulation systems simply lack the ability to advance and cut such brittle materials during granulation without causing unintended breakage, fragmentation, and / or similar damage. More specifically, the systems and methods disclosed herein include protective features to protect the glass filament from such defects during granulation. As the glass filament is advanced through the channels of the guide plate and cut by the cutting wheel, the various protective features disclosed above cooperate to support and stabilize the glass filament.

[0094] Compared to crushing glass preforms into usable sizes, the systems and methods disclosed herein for granulating glass allow for better utilization of the glass material. Therefore, the systems and methods disclosed herein allow for future automation and require less material handling to achieve the desired size and size distribution of the material used for injection molding (e.g., a homogeneous raw material). Furthermore, there are additional safety benefits compared to preform crushing processes, as the granulation systems and methods disclosed herein do not generate airborne fine powder (sieve size < 40) or fumes. The systems and methods disclosed herein allow for the granulation of glass filaments into more uniform and desired sizes, thereby allowing for improved quality of injection-molded parts (e.g., fewer bubble inclusions and higher transmittance) and reduced operating costs as material utilization increases.

[0095] The system and method disclosed herein for granulating glass allow for the granulation of chalcogenide glass rods or filaments, resulting in a material utilization rate of >90%. The equipment parameters are controllable to allow for control of agglomerate size and uniformity based on the desired requirements of experimental or commercial applications. Modifications to the equipment parameters and various fixtures allow for variations in the feed rate and the amount of material processed simultaneously, which can be increased or decreased independently of the desired agglomerate length.

[0096] A method for producing glass articles is now described. The method comprises forming or obtaining a granular raw material comprising chalcogenide glass agglomerates. In embodiments, the references above are used. Figure 8The described method 700 for granulating glass forms or obtains granular raw materials. In embodiments, the method 700 for granulating glass is similar to that described above. Figure 1-7 The described system 100 for granulating glass is used in combination. In an embodiment, the chalcogenide glass of granular raw material comprises selenium, arsenic, and a dopant, wherein the dopant is selected from the group consisting of gallium, germanium, indium, antimony, tin, or combinations thereof.

[0097] The method (for producing glass articles) further includes hot-melting a granular raw material to produce glass articles. In embodiments, hot-melting includes injection molding, extrusion, transfer molding, contour extraction, or hot stamping. In embodiments, hot-melting includes injection molding. In embodiments where hot-melting includes injection molding, injection molding can introduce (micro) air bubbles into the glass article.

[0098] The glass articles produced by the method contain transmittance with a slope ranging from about 0.02 %T / µm to about 0.25 %T / µm within a target wavelength range of about 3 µm to about 10 µm. In an embodiment, the slope of the transmittance within the target wavelength ranges from about 0.04 %T / µm to about 0.22 %T / µm. A transmittance slope equal to or less than 0.25 %T / µm indicates a significant reduction in bubble inclusions in the glass articles compared to those formed from crushed (non-granular) raw materials.

[0099] Example

[0100] Various embodiments of this disclosure can be better understood by referring to the following examples provided by way of illustration. This disclosure is not limited to the examples given herein.

[0101] Example 1 – Granulation test, target size distribution and material utilization

[0102] Granulation tests were conducted to evaluate the ability of the granulator system 10 disclosed herein to: (1) produce granular raw materials with a target size distribution; and (2) maximize the material utilization of the granular raw materials within the target size distribution. The glass filaments used in the granulation tests had a diameter of approximately 2.25 mm. For the granulation tests discussed herein, the (adjustable) parameters of the granulation system 10 were set to achieve a target size distribution of -8 / +10 and / or -8 / +20 (e.g., according to the sieve mesh number of the American Standard Sieve Series (ASTM E11)). The results of two of these granulation tests are summarized in Table 1.

[0103] Table 1: Material utilization rates under target size distributions of -8 / +10 and -8 / +20

[0104]

[0105] As shown in Table 1, under both target size distributions, the granular raw material achieved a material utilization rate of at least 90%—the material utilization rate was calculated by comparing the mass of the glass filament before cutting with the mass of the granules cut from the glass filament and falling into the target size distribution. Figure 9-12 These are digital images of granules of different sizes formed during a granulation test using the granulator system 10. Figure 9 Cut pellets of size determined according to sieve / sieve mesh #8 (e.g., 2.36 mm) are depicted. Figure 10 Cut pellets of size determined according to sieve / sieve mesh #10 (e.g., 2.0 mm) are depicted. Figure 11 Cut pellets of size determined according to sieve / sieve mesh #20 (e.g., 0.85 mm) are depicted. Figure 12 The remaining chopped particles after sieving are depicted.

[0106] To further detail the material utilization of the granulated raw materials produced by the granulator system 10 under a single target size distribution of -8 / +10, additional granulation tests were conducted. The results of these granulation tests are summarized in Table 2.

[0107] Table 2: Detailed Material Utilization Rates under Target Size Distributions of -8 / +10

[0108]

[0109]

[0110] As shown in Table 2, at the target size distribution of -8 / +10, the granular raw material achieved a material utilization rate of at least 90%—calculated by comparing the mass of the glass filament before cutting (e.g., 372.122 g) with the mass of the granules cut from the glass filament and falling into the target size distribution (e.g., 344.1 g). This mass comparison corresponds to a material utilization rate of 92.47%.

[0111] Example 2 – Injection Molding Test and Infrared Transmittance

[0112] Injection molding tests were conducted using both crushed raw materials obtained by conventional means and granulated raw materials obtained by the granulator system 10 disclosed herein to characterize the improvement in infrared (IR) transmittance due to fewer bubble inclusions in the molded glass. The target size distribution was -8 / +10 for both the crushed and granulated raw materials. Multiple glass disks were molded from each type of raw material using an injection molding system configured for injection molding glass raw materials. Different raw material types were processed by the injection molding system under the same operating conditions.

[0113] As previously mentioned, fine glass powder can cause bubble inclusions in molded glass. When such bubble inclusions are present in a sufficient lens volume fraction, they can lead to a reduction in the infrared (IR) transmittance of the glass lens formed via injection molding. For example, Figure 13 A graph showing the relative transmittance (in arbitrary units) versus wavelength of a glass disk molded from crushed raw material and a glass disk molded from granular raw material obtained via the granulator system 10 disclosed herein. The graph is annotated with magnified images of the molded disks. Figure 13 As shown, the image of a disk formed from crushed feedstock reveals evidence of abundant bubble inclusions, while the image of a disk formed from granular feedstock shows significantly fewer bubble inclusions. From this comparison, it can be concluded that bubble inclusions in the disk formed from crushed feedstock directly contribute to scattering loss, thereby reducing IR transmittance in the wavelength of interest from approximately 3 µm to approximately 10 µm. Figure 13 As shown, increased scattering loss manifests as an increase in the slope of the transmittance curve within the wavelength of interest, while decreased scattering loss manifests as a decrease in the slope of the transmittance curve within the wavelength of interest (e.g., approaching zero).

[0114] The IR transmittance of the discs produced by multiple injection molding runs was measured using both crushed raw materials obtained by conventional means and granulated raw materials obtained by the granulator system 10 disclosed herein. The crushed and granulated raw materials had a target size distribution of -8 / +10. The slope of the IR transmittance within the wavelength of interest from approximately 3 µm to approximately 10 µm was calculated to indirectly assess the reduction of bubble inclusions—which can be demonstrated by the decrease in the slope of the transmittance curve. Table 3 below summarizes the IR transmittance slope data.

[0115] Table 3: Transmittance slope (%T / µm) in the wavelength range of 3 µm to 10 µm

[0116]

[0117] The disks produced from crushed feed at -8 / +10°C exhibit an average IR transmittance slope of approximately 1.430 %T / µm within the wavelength of interest, with minimum and maximum IR transmittance slopes of 1.021 and 1.667, respectively. The disks produced from granular feed at -8 / +10°C exhibit an average IR transmittance slope of approximately 0.142 %T / µm within the wavelength of interest, with minimum and maximum IR transmittance slopes of 0.044 and 0.222, respectively. The average IR transmittance slope produced from granular feed is 90% lower than that produced from crushed feed, indicating that the use of granular feed significantly reduces bubble inclusions and, correspondingly, significantly reduces scattering loss.

[0118] Example 3 – Characterization of bubble inclusions from granular feedstock

[0119] Glass disks molded from the granular raw material according to Example 2 were analyzed to characterize the distribution and volume fraction of bubble inclusions. Distribution refers to the spatial distribution of bubble inclusions within the glass. Volume fraction refers to an approximate value of the glass volume occupied by bubble inclusions. Figure 14 A digital image of a sample glass disk 400 molded from granular raw materials is shown. Figure 14 The left-hand image shows a disk 400, which includes a convex (top) surface 404, a cylindrical side surface 408 extending from the convex surface 404, and a gate / sprue structure 412 extending laterally from the cylindrical side surface 408. Figure 14 The left-hand image shows a disk 400, which includes a cylindrical side surface 408, a gate / sprue structure 412, and a concave (bottom) surface 416 opposite to the convex surface 404. The cylindrical side surface 408 extends between the convex surface 404 and the concave surface 416.

[0120] Figure 15 and 16 X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) images obtained by means of two different portions of a sample disk molded from granular raw material according to Example 2 are shown. Figure 15 and 16 The left-hand image of each depicts the location of the cross-sectional plane passing through the sample disk, while Figure 15 and 16 The right-hand image of each shows an X-CT image obtained through the cross-sectional plane. The sample disk used for X-CT imaging has a... Figure 14 The sample disks shown are essentially the same configuration. It should be noted that although only two X-CT images are shown, the X-CT scan of the sample disk yielded numerous cross-sectional images throughout the entire sample disk. The compilation of these cross-sectional images allows for visualization and analysis of bubble inclusions throughout the entire sample volume. These cross-sectional images can be used to quantify the volume fraction and spatial distribution of bubble inclusions within the sample disk.

[0121] Now for reference Figure 15 The image on the left shows an X-CT section oriented transversely to the convex surface 404 and substantially aligned with the gate / sprue structure 412. Figure 15 In the image on the right, three bubble inclusions are clearly depicted in the X-CT image. (See image on the right for reference.) Figure 16 The image on the left shows an X-CT section oriented transversely to the convex surface 404, but... Figure 16 cross section and Figure 15 The cross-section (left image) has been rotated approximately 90° compared to the previous image, making... Figure 16 cross section and Figure 15 The cross-sections are orthogonal. In Figure 16 In the image on the right, a single bubble inclusion 500 is clearly depicted in the X-CT image.

[0122] Now for reference Figure 15 and 16 It has been found that the bubble inclusions 500 are patterned to align with the direction in which the glass is injected into the molded cavity forming the disk. In other words, the bubble inclusions 500 typically fall on lines that coordinate with the glass flow from the gate / sprue structure 412 (e.g., located vertically at the top of the molded cavity) toward the edge of the disk (e.g., near the bottom of the molded cavity). This pattern is created by... Figure 15 (Right image) Vertical alignment of bubble inclusions 500 and Figure 16 The center position of the bubble inclusions (in the left image) is shown, corresponding to Figure 15 (Right image) Vertical alignment of bubble inclusions 500. Still referencing Figure 15 and 16 The bubble inclusions 500 appear to be located in the upper 70-80% of the thickness 420 (e.g., closer to the convex surface 404 than the concave surface 416).

[0123] Based on X-CT images (e.g.) Figure 15 and 16 The X-CT images shown indicate that the volume fraction of bubble inclusions 500 within the sample is estimated. Based on these images, the (first) volume of sample disk 400 is estimated to be approximately 0.47 cm³. 3 Based on these same images, the estimated (second) volume of bubble inclusion 500 (e.g., the total estimated volume of all bubble inclusions within the sample disk) is approximately 1.5 × 10⁻⁶. -5 cm 3 The volume fraction of the (second) volume of the bubble inclusions 500 relative to the (first) volume of the sample disk 400 is (less than) approximately 3.2 × 10⁻⁶. -5 It is assumed that this volume fraction will not reduce or substantially reduce IR transmittance, as shown in Example 2. Disks of different sizes (e.g., volumes) can be manufactured using the injection molding methods disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the (first) volume of the disk can be approximately 0.1 cm³. 3 approximately 10 cm 3 Within a range, such as approximately 0.1 cm 3 approximately 15 cm 3 or about 0.1 cm 3 Up to 20 cm 3 .

[0124] While this disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, the drawings and the foregoing description should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. It should be understood that only preferred embodiments are presented, and protection is intended for all changes, modifications, and further applications within the spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for granulating glass, the system comprising: Glass fiber, wherein the glass fiber has a slender body; A guide plate, the guide plate defining a channel extending through the guide plate between opposing first and second ends of the guide plate, the channel being configured to slidably support the glass filament for advancement through the channel; A roller having a contact surface configured to engage with the glass filament and advance the glass filament through the channel and out the second end when the roller rotates about a first axis; A cutting wheel having teeth configured to pass adjacent to the channel at a second end when the cutting wheel rotates about a second axis; the teeth are configured to cut the glass filament into granules when the glass filament is pushed out of the second end. as well as A protective feature configured to protect the glass filament and the agglomerates from defects when the glass filament is advanced through the channel and cut into the agglomerates.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the protective feature comprises a cut in the guide plate, the cut being spaced apart from and close to the second end and exposing a portion of the channel, and the contact surface of the roller being continuously engaged with the glass filament within the cut.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the contact surface of the roller is configured to brace the glass filament against a support surface of the guide plate as the glass filament is advanced through the channel, the support surface being exposed within the cut.

4. The system of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the guide plate comprises (i) a grooved plate defining a top surface and a side surface of the channel between the first end and the second end, and (ii) a bottom plate positioned against the grooved plate to define a bottom surface of the channel for a portion of the guide plate between the first end and the cutout.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the top surface of the channel corresponds to the support surface, and the roller is configured to support the glass filament against the support surface.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the protective feature includes a narrowing of the channel along the tip portion of the grooved plate near the second end.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the channel along the tip portion leads to the bottom side of the grooved plate, and wherein a bottom latch plate is positioned against the bottom side of the grooved plate to define a bottom surface along the channel along the tip portion.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein one or more of the top surface defined by the grooved plate and the bottom surface defined by the bottom buckle plate form the narrowing of the channel corresponding to the protective feature.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the top snap plate is positioned along the tip portion to abut against the top side of the grooved plate, the tip portion of the grooved plate being positioned between the top snap plate and the bottom snap plate.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the protective feature comprises a material of the contact surface of the roller, the material being configured to be soft so as to partially wrap around the glass filament as it is advanced through the channel.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the protective feature comprises a soft membrane covering the contact surface, the soft membrane being configured to partially wrap around the glass filament as it is advanced through the channel.

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass filament comprises a plurality of glass filaments, and wherein the guide plate defines a plurality of channels extending substantially parallel therethrough between a first end and a second end of the guide plate, each channel being configured to slidably support a corresponding glass filament for advance through the channel.

13. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glass fiber comprises a chalcogenide glass.

14. A method for granulating glass, the method comprising: A glass filament having an elongated body is advanced through a channel defined by a guide plate and extending between its opposing first and second ends, the channel being configured to slidably support the glass filament during the advancement. While extending the glass filament out of the second end of the guide plate, the glass filament is cut into granules; and The protective features protect the glass filaments and agglomerates from defects during the propulsion and cutting processes.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein advancing the glass filament comprises engaging the glass filament with a contact surface of a roller configured to rotate about a first axis.

16. The method of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein cutting the glass filament into granules comprises rotating a cutting wheel about a second axis and, during the advance, causing the teeth of the cutting wheel to pass adjacent to the channel at the second end of the guide plate.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the protective feature comprises a cut in the guide plate, the cut being spaced apart from and close to the second end and exposing a portion of the channel, wherein during the advance and the cutting, the contact surface of the roller continuously engages with the glass filament within the cut.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the contact surface of the roller is configured to support the glass filament against the support surface of the guide plate, the support surface being exposed within the cut during the advance and the cutting.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the guide plate comprises (i) a grooved plate defining a top surface and a side surface of the channel, and (ii) a bottom plate positioned against the grooved plate to define a bottom surface of the channel.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the top surface of the channel corresponds to the support surface, and the roller is configured to brace the glass filament against the support surface during the advance and the cut.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the protective feature comprises a narrowing of the channel along the tip portion of the grooved plate near the second end.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the channel along the tip portion leads to the bottom side of the grooved plate, and wherein a bottom fastener is positioned against the bottom side of the grooved plate to define a bottom surface along the channel along the tip portion.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein one or more of the top surface defined by the grooved plate and the bottom surface defined by the bottom buckle plate form the narrowing of the channel corresponding to the protective feature.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the top snap plate is positioned along the tip portion to abut against the top side of the grooved plate, the tip portion of the grooved plate being positioned between the top snap plate and the bottom snap plate.

25. The method of any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein the protective feature comprises a material of the contact surface of the roller, the material being configured to be soft so as to partially wrap the glass filament during the advance and the cut.

26. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein the protective feature comprises a soft film covering the contact surface, the soft film being configured to partially wrap the glass filament during the advance and the cut.

27. The method of any one of claims 14 to 26, wherein advancing the glass filament through the channel comprises advancing a plurality of glass filaments through a plurality of channels, the plurality of channels extending substantially parallel through the guide plate between the first end and the second end, each channel being configured to slidably support a corresponding glass filament during the advancing and the cutting.

28. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein the glass precursor comprises a chalcogenide glass.

29. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 28, wherein the glass filament is advanced and cut with corresponding parameters such that the agglomerates have a target size distribution, and wherein the material utilization rate of the method is greater than 90% based on a comparison of the mass of the glass filament before cutting with the mass of the agglomerates cut from the glass filament and falling into the target size distribution.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the target size distribution corresponds to a sieve mesh combination of -4 / +20 according to the American Standard Sieve Series (ASTM E11).

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the target size distribution corresponds to a sieve mesh combination of -8 / +18 according to the American Standard Sieve Series (ASTM E11).

32. The method of claim 29, wherein the target size distribution corresponds to a sieve mesh combination of -8 / +10 according to the American Standard Sieve Series (ASTM E11).

33. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 32, wherein the glass filament has a diameter in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

34. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 32, wherein the glass filament has a diameter in the range of about 2 mm to about 2.5 mm.

35. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 34, wherein the glass filament is cut to a length ranging from about 1 mm to about 3 mm to form the agglomerates.

36. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 34, wherein the glass filament is cut to a length ranging from about 2 mm to about 2.5 mm to form the agglomerates.

37. A method for producing glass articles, the method comprising: A granular raw material is formed or obtained using the method according to any one of claims 14 to 36, the granular raw material comprising chalcogenide glass agglomerates; and The granular raw material is subjected to hot-melt processing to produce the glass product.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the hot melt processing comprises injection molding, extrusion, transfer molding, contour extraction, or hot stamping.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein the hot melt process comprises injection molding.

40. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the injection molding introduces (micro) air bubbles into the glass article.

41. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein the chalcogenide glass comprises selenium, arsenic and a dopant selected from the group consisting of gallium, germanium, indium, antimony, tin or combinations thereof.

42. A glass article comprising: A body having a first volume of chalcogenide glass, the body being formed via injection molding; and Multiple bubble inclusions are disposed together with the first volume, the bubble inclusions having a second volume significantly smaller than the first volume. The said body contains a transmittance having a slope in the range of about 0.02 %T / µm to about 0.25 %T / µm within a wavelength range of about 3 µm to about 10 µm.

43. The glass article of claim 42, wherein the slope of the transmittance within the wavelength ranges from about 0.04 %T / µm to about 0.22 %T / µm.

44. The glass article according to claim 42 or claim 43, wherein the volume fraction of the second volume of the bubble inclusions to the first volume of the body is less than or equal to 3.2 × 10⁻⁶. -5 .

45. The glass article according to any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the bubble inclusions are substantially aligned within the body along the flow of the chalcogenide glass during the injection molding process.

46. ​​The glass article according to any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the first volume of the body is about 0.1 cm. 3 approximately 10 cm 3 Within the range.

Images