Method for processing nanopowder of non-metallic material using carbon dioxide laser

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for processing a non-metallic material into nanopowder using a carbon dioxide laser, and has the effect of mechanically processing a non-metallic material, such as quartz, carbon, silicon, silica, and the like, into nanopowder with particle sizes of 100 nanometers or less, using a carbon dioxide laser instead of chemical methods that may adversely affect the environment. To this end, the present invention comprises: a material feeding step of placing a non-metallic material to be processed on a workbench; a laser oscillator preparation step of preparing the operation of a carbon dioxide laser oscillator for pulverizing the non-metallic material; a laser head movement step of moving the head of the carbon dioxide laser over the fed material; a nanopowder generation step of pulverizing the non-metallic material into nanopowder form by driving the carbon dioxide laser; and a collection step of collecting the generated nanopowder.

Description

Nanopowder processing method of non-metallic materials using a carbon dioxide laser

[0001] The present invention relates to a nano-powder processing method for non-metallic materials, and more particularly, to a nano-powder processing method capable of processing non-metallic materials such as quartz, silicon, silica, carbon, etc. into nano-particle sizes by a mechanical method using a carbon dioxide laser.

[0002] In general, non-metallic materials (quartz, carbon, silicon, silica, etc.) are difficult to produce with particle sizes of 100 nm or less using mechanical methods, so they are mainly processed into nano-size (300 nm to 1,000 nm) using chemical methods (using strong acids and strong bases).

[0003] However, conventional chemical processing methods have problems such as high production costs, making mass production difficult, and environmental problems such as wastewater generation during the processing.

[0004] In addition, nanoparticle products produced chemically have an amorphous (non-crystalline) or polycrystalline structure rather than a single crystal, so there was a problem in that there were limitations in implementing the material characteristics of quartz (insulation, wear resistance, chemical resistance, electrical insulation, light transparency, antibacterial properties, drug delivery function, etc.).

[0005] [Prior Art Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document]

[0007] (Patent Document 1) Republic of Korea Patent Registration No. 2132252 (registered on July 3, 2020)

[0008] (Patent Document 2) Republic of Korea Patent Registration No. 2044096 (registered on November 6, 2019)

[0009] The present invention has been proposed to improve the problems in the above-mentioned prior art, and has the purpose of producing more nano powders while stably maintaining the maximum output of the equipment by adding oxygen or nitrogen gas to the basic assist gas in the processing method to achieve higher production volume, maintain uniform particle size, and improve product quality.

[0010] The processing method of the present invention for achieving the above object is characterized by including a material input step of placing a non-metallic material, which is a powder processing target, on a worktable; a laser generator operation preparation step of preparing the operation of a carbon dioxide laser generator for pulverizing the non-metallic material; a laser head movement step of moving the head of the carbon dioxide laser generator above the input material; a generation step of pulverizing the non-metallic material into a nano-powder form using a carbon dioxide laser by driving the carbon dioxide laser generator to generate nano-powder; and a collection step of collecting the generated nano-powder.

[0011] In addition, the laser generator operation preparation step is characterized by comprising a preparation step 1 of selectively supplying nitrogen gas or oxygen gas to the laser generator according to the properties of a non-metallic material placed on a worktable, and a preparation step 2 of placing a polypropylene nanofilter and a gas cylinder between an air compressor that supplies high-pressure air to the laser generator and the laser generator.

[0012] The technology of the present invention exhibits the effect of processing nano-powder of non-metallic materials (quartz, silicon, silica, carbon, etc.) with a particle size of 100 nanometers or less by a mechanical method using a carbon dioxide laser, rather than a chemical method that has a negative impact on the environment.

[0013] In particular, in the present invention, since oxygen gas or nitrogen gas is supplied as an assist gas, high power can be generated even with low output, thereby stabilizing the generator and enabling processing of a larger amount than with existing mixed gases.

[0014] In addition, the characteristics of the material (insulation, wear resistance, chemical resistance, electrical insulation, light transmittance, antibacterial properties, drug delivery function, etc.) can be maintained after processing, which shows the advantage of being usable in various industrial fields.

[0015] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a non-metallic material nano powder processing process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a carbon dioxide laser processing system of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 is a state diagram of the crushing processing of a non-metallic material in the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the laser head portion of the present invention.

[0019] Figures 5 and 6 are test result reports for the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 is a confirmation certificate of the test analysis results in the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of a beam nozzle component according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 9 is a flow chart of a processing process according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] The embodiments of the present invention may be modified in various ways, and the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments detailed below. These embodiments are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0025] Accordingly, the shapes of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated to emphasize a clearer description. It should be noted that identical components may be depicted with the same reference numerals in each drawing. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of functions and configurations of known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention may be omitted.

[0026] First, the nano powder processing process of a non-metallic material using a carbon dioxide laser according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows through FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0027] <Material input stage>

[0028] In the material input stage, the non-metallic material (Q) with a purity of 99.99% or higher, which is the object to be processed, is placed on the workbench (10).

[0029] That is, at this time, work is prepared by placing a non-metallic material (Q) that has been processed into a certain size in the shape of a hexagon on the upper surface of the worktable (10), and the non-metallic material (Q) includes quartz, carbon, silicon, silica, etc.

[0030] <Laser Generator Operation Preparation Step 1>

[0031] Afterwards, the operation of the carbon dioxide laser generator (21) for crushing the non-metallic material (Q) is prepared. At this time, the first stage of operation preparation is carried out in which nitrogen gas or oxygen gas is selectively supplied to the laser generator depending on the properties of the non-metallic material placed on the work table.

[0032] <Laser Generator Operation Preparation Step 2>

[0033] In addition, after the above-mentioned operation preparation step 1, the operation preparation step 2 is performed in which a polypropylene nanofilter (50) and a gas cylinder (60) are placed between the air compressor (40) that supplies high-pressure air to the laser generator (21) and the laser generator (21).

[0034] At this time, it is preferable that the above nanofilters (50) are arranged in series in four pieces impregnated with quartz nanopowder.

[0035] <Laser head movement stage>

[0036] Afterwards, the head (20) of the carbon dioxide laser is moved to an appropriate position on top of the non-metallic material (Q) that has been injected. It can be confirmed that the carbon dioxide laser is configured with a controller (22) for driving control of the laser generator (30) that drives the laser beam.

[0037] Meanwhile, it can be confirmed through Fig. 4 that the head section (20) of the present embodiment is configured with two lenses (23, 24) for focusing the laser beam supplied from the laser generator (21) together with the beam nozzle section (25).

[0038] In addition, as another embodiment of the present invention, a beam nozzle part (25) having a shape as in FIG. 8 is attached to the head part (20) of the laser machine, and the beam nozzle part (25) is integrally provided with a nozzle rod (25a) of a certain length.

[0039] Nano powder production stage

[0040] In this way, by irradiating a carbon dioxide laser beam with a generator output of 500 to 6,500 W or more onto the surface of a material, a non-metallic material (Q) is crushed and nanopowder is generated. At this time, the assist gas pressure in the beam nozzle section (25) is maintained at 0.3 to 200 Mpa or more, the feed speed of the head section is maintained at 1 to 100 mm / min, and the temperature is maintained at 700 to 30,000°C (conditions vary depending on the material), and nanopowder with a particle size of 1 nm to 1,000 nm is diffused into the air to generate nanopowder.

[0041] In particular, in the present invention, since oxygen gas or nitrogen gas is supplied as an assist gas, high power can be generated even with low output, thereby stabilizing the generator and enabling processing of a larger amount than with existing mixed gases.

[0042] In addition, in the nano powder generation process, it is desirable to improve the powdering efficiency by moving the laser head (20) back and forth in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0043] Nanopowder capture

[0044] The non-metallic nanopowder that has been pulverized in this way is captured in the capture step.

[0045] That is, at this time, nano powder particles floating and dispersed in the air can be collected with a particle size of 1 to 900 nm using a vacuum suction device (70) using a filter.

[0046] Figures 6 and 7 show the test analysis results confirmed using an electron microscope for quartz nano powder processed and collected by the processing method of the present invention, and a porous structure was confirmed on the surface of the quartz nano powder.

[0047] Therefore, the technical feature of the present invention is that it exhibits the effect of processing high-purity porous non-metallic material nano powder with a particle size of 100 nanometers or less by a physical method using a carbon dioxide laser, rather than a chemical method that has a negative impact on the environment.

[0048] In particular, it shows the advantage of being able to be used in various industrial fields because the characteristics of the material (insulation, wear resistance, chemical resistance, electrical insulation, light transmittance, antibacterial properties, drug delivery function, etc.) can be maintained after processing.

[0049]

[0050] Meanwhile, FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a non-metallic material processing process according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein, before the crushing step, an activating solution spraying step is additionally performed to spray an activating solution onto the surface of a non-metallic material to activate crushing using a carbon dioxide laser.

[0051] At this time, it is preferable that the active liquid to be injected be a mixed composition in a ratio of 30 to 45 wt% of ethanol, 10 to 30 wt% of titanium dioxide, 5 to 20 wt% of methyl glucoside, 10 to 20 wt% of polybenzimidazene, 1 to 20 wt% of olefin polymerized oil, and 1 to 15 wt% of ethylene glycol.

[0052] When an active solution spraying step like this is added, the surface of the non-metallic material (Q) is polished by irradiating the surface with a carbon dioxide laser beam while the active solution is coated as a thin film on the surface, which allows the surface to effectively absorb the laser beam, thereby improving processing efficiency.

[0053] In particular, since the active solution contains a mixture of titanium dioxide and methyl glucoside, rapid adsorption onto the surface of the quartz material (Q) is achieved after spraying. Polybenzimidazene improves the dispersion efficiency of the active solution, allowing the active solution to be applied throughout the entire surface. The olefin polymerization oil performs a catalytic function for the carbon dioxide laser beam, allowing the carbon dioxide pressure to be transmitted evenly. In addition, the additionally added ethylene glycol exhibits an advanced effect of preventing deterioration and discoloration of the active solution, thereby preventing deterioration of the nano powder.

[0054] Nano powder processed in this way can be used as various industrial materials as follows.

[0055] The excellent heat resistance of quartz nanopowder (reaction temperature: 1,800°C) can solve battery expansion problems (risk of explosion) and dramatically improve battery charging / discharging efficiency, significantly enhancing battery performance. The global market for anode / cathode materials is expected to grow from $36.6 billion in 2023 to $81.2 billion in 2030. (Source: Yonhap News SNE Research)

[0056] Among the eight major semiconductor processes, materials for oxidation processes are expected to have an impact on the market size. The reduction in the oxidation process, which involves reacting silicon and oxygen on wafers to form an oxide film, will reduce production costs and enable the reproducibility of high-quality oxide films. Materials used in oxidation and diffusion processes account for 7% of the semiconductor front-end process materials market, and the market is expected to grow from $670 million in 2023 to $880 million in 2027. (Source: Gartner)

[0057] Expected Effects of Lubricant Additive Application Market Size: Quartz nanopowder's spherical shape reduces friction due to the bearing effect inside the engine, which improves fuel efficiency by improving piston movement, and its surface porosity reduces greenhouse gas emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide and methane gas inside the engine. The global lubricant market size is expected to reach USD 135 billion in 2020 and USD 180.21 billion by 2030, showing a compound annual growth rate (GAGR) of 3.7% during the forecast period.

[0058] Quartz nanopowder, an eco-friendly material with excellent coating properties, superior wear resistance, and excellent electrical insulation, is suitable for aerospace (radio wave blocking), ship (barnacle removal), and automotive (water-repellent coating) applications. The global paint market for automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding applications is expected to grow to approximately $64.5 billion by 2029.

[0059] Antibacterial effects of current filters (nonwoven / MB filters) decrease over time, making it difficult to maintain a sustained antibacterial effect. Quartz nanopowder, impregnated within the fibers, maintains a 99.99% antibacterial effect by killing viruses rather than antivirals. The watch market is projected to reach $112.87 billion by 2030, growing at an average of 5.1%. The domestic market is projected to reach $346.8 billion by 2025, growing at a 12.0% rate. (Source: Grand View Research, Inc., February 2022)

[0060] Fiber (filler) product application expected effect market size: It can be applied to various products (bedding, padding, industrial, etc.) due to its strong antibacterial properties (kill viruses) and thermal and electrical insulation properties, and can exhibit excellent product effects. The global market is expected to reach USD 69 billion (approximately KRW 81.3993 trillion) by 2025, maintaining an average annual growth rate of 9.2% from 2019 to 2025. (Source: Research & Market, February 2020)

[0061] Long-fiber (yarn) product application expected effect market size: The antibacterial properties, heat resistance, and spherical structure of quartz make it possible to create functional yarns with antibacterial, water-repellent, and excellent elasticity (spandex). The market grew from 5.185 million tons in 2015 to 6.609 million tons in 2021, and is projected to grow at an average of 5.5% between 2020 and 2025. (Source: International Textile News, September 2022)

[0062] Quartz's excellent insulation properties (reaction point: 1,800°C) make it suitable for use in a variety of insulating building materials. The global building insulation market is expected to grow by 3.64% in sales and 3.35% in volume from 2022 to 2030, with the domestic market reaching KRW 153 billion in 2022. (Source: Research firm Visiongain Reports Ltd, July 2021)

[0063] Automotive Glass Coating Products: With particle sizes of less than 100 nm, they exhibit excellent coating properties and exhibit superior water-repellent properties, along with excellent abrasion and chemical resistance. The global automotive coating market is expected to reach $15 billion in 2020 and $21.6 billion in 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%. (Source: Stratistics Market Research Consulting, February 2023)

[0064] Barrier film (food packaging) products: Expected effects and market size: The antibacterial properties of these products, including their ability to kill viruses and their excellent insulation, can extend product freshness and extend shelf life. The global barrier film market is projected to reach $32.6172 billion in 2028, growing at an average rate of 7.4%. The domestic market is projected to reach $321.2 billion in 2022, growing 34%. (Source: Stratistics Market Research Consulting, March 2022)

[0065] Expected effects of application to household goods (toothpaste) products: Excellent antibacterial properties and a spherical structure improve teeth scaling and whitening effects. The toothpaste market is projected to reach $3.99 billion between 2020 and 2026, growing at an average of 3.40%. The domestic market is valued at approximately KRW 600 billion. (Source: TechNavio Infiniti Research Ltd, January 2022)

[0066] Expected effects of application in household products (detergents) Market size: Excellent antibacterial properties and nanoparticle coating help maintain clean skin. The watch face wash market reached approximately $14.49 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at an average rate of 5.5% between 2022 and 2028. (Source: Bizwit Research & Consulting LLP, May 2022)

[0067] The expected effect of applying it to household goods (cosmetics) products is that it maintains clean and healthy skin with excellent antibacterial properties and nanoparticle coating. The market is expected to grow from $357.5 billion to $508.3 billion by 2027, representing a 5.95% growth rate. The domestic market is projected to reach $16.6533 trillion in 2021 (up 9.8% year-on-year). (Source: IMRC Search Private Limited, February 2022)

[0068] The expected market size of the drug delivery system (DDS) in the bio / pharmaceutical field is expected to be achieved by utilizing nanomaterials with mesoporous (mesoporous) spherical quartz nano surfaces that can deliver drugs by loading them into the pores. The demand for the mesoporous market is expected to grow from $298.06 million in 2022 to $782.33 million in 2030, with an average growth rate (GAGR) of 12.8% during the research period of 2023-2030. (Source: April 2023. Research firm: Value Market Research)

[0069] And, although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated above, it is obvious that the nanopowder processing process of the present invention can be implemented in various ways by those skilled in the art.

[0070] Therefore, such modified embodiments should not be understood separately from the technical spirit or scope of the present invention, and such modified embodiments should be included within the scope of the appended claims of the present invention.

[0071] [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10: Workbench 20: Head

[0073] 21: Laser generator 22: Controller

[0074] 23,24: Lens 25: Beam nozzle

[0075] 30: Vacuum suction device 40: Air compressor

[0076] 50: Nanofilter 60: Gas cylinder (bomber)

[0077] Q: Non-metallic materials (quartz, silicon, carbon, silica, etc.)

Claims

1. A material input step for placing a non-metallic material, which is the target of powder processing, on a workbench; A laser generator operation preparation step for preparing the operation of a carbon dioxide laser generator for pulverizing the above non-metallic material; A laser head movement step for moving the head of a carbon dioxide laser machine on top of the material input above; A nanopowder generation step of generating nanopowder by pulverizing a non-metallic material into a nanopowder form using a carbon dioxide laser by driving the carbon dioxide laser; A capturing step for capturing the above-mentioned generated nano powder; including, The above laser generator operation preparation step is comprised of a preparation step 1 in which nitrogen gas or oxygen gas is selectively supplied to the laser generator according to the properties of the non-metallic material placed on the work table, and a preparation step 2 in which a polypropylene nanofilter and a gas cylinder are placed between the air compressor that supplies high-pressure air to the laser generator and the laser generator. Here, the nano-filter is characterized by four nano-filters impregnated with quartz nano-powder arranged in series, and is a method for processing nano-powder of a non-metallic material using a carbon dioxide laser.

2. In claim 1, A method for processing nano powder of a non-metallic material using a carbon dioxide laser, characterized in that in the above laser head movement step, a beam nozzle part is attached to the head part of the laser machine, and the beam nozzle part is integrally equipped with a nozzle rod of a certain length.

3. In claim 1, A method for processing nano powder of a non-metallic material using a carbon dioxide laser, characterized in that, before the above nano powder generation step, an activating solution spraying step is additionally performed to spray an activating solution onto the surface of a material to activate pulverization by a carbon dioxide laser.

4. In claim 3 A method for processing nano-powder of a non-metallic material using a carbon dioxide laser, characterized in that the active liquid injected in the above active liquid injection step has a mixed composition of ethanol, titanium dioxide, methyl glucoside, polybenzimidazene, olefin polymerization oil, and ethylene glycol.

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