Crystallization with ultra-fast concurrent sintering of glass-ceramics of the Li2O-Al2O3-SiO2 (LAS) system with targeted antimicrobial properties in just one step

• Grant number: 22/13532-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Ana Candida Martins Rodrigues
• Grantee: Isabela Reis Lavagnini
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07793-6 - CEPIV - Center for Teaching, Research and Innovation in Glass, AP.CEPID
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/18171-8 - Crystallization and Sinter-crystallization of Li2O-Al2O3-SiO2 (LAS) Glass System using an Ultrafast High-Temperature Sintering (UHS) approach, BE.EP.PD

Abstract

Because of their low (near-zero) thermal expansion coefficient, excellent resistance to thermal shock, chemical stability, and translucency, lithium-aluminum-silicate (LAS) glass ceramics are widely used in various applications. It would be interesting to obtain this material via sinter-crystallization, starting with a precursor glass powder, to allow the cold forming of complex shapes. However, because of LAS's low thermal conductivity and tendency for surface crystallization, obtaining dense and homogeneous specimens via this route is challenging. In this way, sintering techniques that heat the material from the inside out and allow high heating rates are interesting alternatives for dense LAS glass ceramics manufacture. Furthermore, because LAS is widely used in kitchen facilities (e.g., cooktops), obtaining a LAS with antimicrobial activity would be advantageous. Creating antimicrobial properties on the LAS surface via Ag+ ion exchange could thus add value to this material. Surprisingly, there has only been one recent study on surface antimicrobial activation for glass ceramics in this system, indicating that this is a field that needs to be further explored. Thus, this project aims to propose a new methodology for producing dense and homogeneous LAS glass ceramic with an antimicrobial surface in a single step using Flash Sintering, a high heating rate technique that heats the sample from inside through Joule heating. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

CAMPOS, JOAO, V; LAVAGNINI, ISABELA R.; DE SOUZA, THALIA D.; SILVA, LAIS D.; JESUS, LILIAN M.; BRADTMUELLER, HENRIK; ZANOTTO, EDGAR D.; RODRIGUES, ANA C. M.. Power ramp flash crystallization of a lithium silicate-based glass for dental applications: Structural insights and mechanical properties. ACTA MATERIALIA, v. 284, p. 13-pg., 2024-12-10. (23/18168-7, 22/13532-0, 13/07793-6, 21/06509-9, 19/26399-3, 23/18171-8)