3D Forming Lithium Silicate Glass Ceramics
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in forming glass ceramic articles with high strength suitable for portable electronic devices, as existing methods struggle to achieve the required properties and shapes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method of 3D forming glass ceramic pre-forms comprising lithium disilicate, petalite, and residual glass phases, where the concentration of the residual glass phase increases after forming, with specific compositional ranges and thermal processing steps to enhance mechanical and optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If glass ceramic is formed into various shapes using conventional methods, then shape complexity is improved, but mechanical strength and required properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The glass ceramic pre-form is cerammed before 3D forming to establish the crystalline phase structure in advance. This preliminary ceramming creates a stable microstructure that can subsequently be shaped without compromising mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between shape complexity and mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls the residual glass phase concentration (10-50 wt%) and crystalline phase composition (lithium disilicate and petalite) to optimize both formability and mechanical properties. By adjusting these compositional parameters, the material achieves sufficient ductility for 3D forming while maintaining high mechanical strength in the final article
2Strength
If residual glass phase concentration is increased to improve ion-exchange performance, then mechanical strength and optical properties are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the residual glass phase concentration within a specific range (10-50 wt%) to achieve the desired balance between ion-exchange performance and manufacturing feasibility. This parameter optimization allows conventional 3D forming equipment to process the material while achieving superior mechanical strength and optical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The glass ceramic comprises a composite structure with lithium disilicate crystalline phase, petalite crystalline phase, and residual glass phase. This composite microstructure enables enhanced ion-exchange performance and mechanical strength while maintaining manufacturability through controlled phase distribution during ceramming and forming
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method produces glass ceramic articles with improved mechanical strength, transparency, and reduced haze, suitable for use in electronic devices, with increased residual glass phase concentration enhancing ion-exchange performance and compressive stress.
Implementation Method 1
3D forming a glass ceramic pre-form to produce the glass ceramic article... After 3D forming, the glass ceramic article comprises a concentration of the residual glass phase greater than a concentration of the residual glass phase in the glass ceramic pre-form
Data Source
AI summary
Glass and glass ceramic compositions having at least a lithium disilicate crystalline phase, a petalite crystalline phase, and a residual glass phase along with methods of making the glass and glass ceramic compositions are described. The compositions are compatible with conventional rolling and float processes, are transparent or translucent, and have high mechanical strength and fracture resistance. Additionally, processes of 3D forming glass ceramic preforms having the glass ceramic composition discussed to produce glass ceramic articles are described. Further, the compositions are able to be chemically tempered to even higher strength glass ceramics that are useful as large substrates in multiple applications.