Process for the fabrication of glass ceramic structures
First Claim
1. A low-temperature process for the fabrication of lightweight composite glass ceramic structures, comprising:
- providing a plurality of glass ceramic components, said glass ceramic components each being polished to form at least one joining surface on each component, providing a silicate-containing joining liquid to at least one of the joining surfaces, bringing the joining surfaces of the plurality of glass components together to form a joint, allowing the joint to cure for a period of time of at least 20 hours at a temperature of at least 20 degrees C., whereby a cured joint is formed between said plurality of glass components, and dehydrating the cured joint gradually by raising the temperature slowly and maintaining an elevated temperature below the glass transition temperature of the glass ceramic for at least 20 hours.
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Abstract
A method for fabricating composite light-weighted glass ceramics, suitable for use as, e.g. mirror blanks or microlithography stages, at low temperatures is disclosed. Component pieces are polished then joined at low temperature using a silicate-containing joining liquid. Assembly is then performed in such a way that the joining liquid forms an interface between each component. After a period of low or slightly elevated temperature curing, rigid joints are formed throughout and the composite is dimensionally, vibrationally, and temperature stable and can withstand tensile stresses >4000 psi. The room-temperature cured composite can be heat treated using a slow, systematic temperature increase to dehydrate the joints. A sealing coating may optionally be provided to prevent excess dried joining liquid from flaking off the formed joint.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A low-temperature process for the fabrication of lightweight composite glass ceramic structures, comprising:
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providing a plurality of glass ceramic components, said glass ceramic components each being polished to form at least one joining surface on each component, providing a silicate-containing joining liquid to at least one of the joining surfaces, bringing the joining surfaces of the plurality of glass components together to form a joint, allowing the joint to cure for a period of time of at least 20 hours at a temperature of at least 20 degrees C., whereby a cured joint is formed between said plurality of glass components, and dehydrating the cured joint gradually by raising the temperature slowly and maintaining an elevated temperature below the glass transition temperature of the glass ceramic for at least 20 hours. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification