A research team has created a new process to produce silica glass at much lower temperatures by utilizing advanced 3D printing techniques. Unlike conventional methods that require high-temperature sintering, this approach converts 3D-printed objects into silica glass structures without the need for sintering, significantly reducing energy consumption.
The study, published in the journal *Polymers*, demonstrates that this sinterless method allows for more precise and efficient manufacturing of silica glass components. This innovation could lead to new applications in industries where custom glass shapes and lower production costs are important.
**Why this matters**
Traditional silica glass production involves high-temperature sintering, which is energy-intensive and limits design flexibility. By lowering the temperature requirements and eliminating sintering, the new technique offers a more sustainable and versatile way to produce glass. This advancement may enable broader use of silica glass in fields such as optics, electronics, and biomedical devices.
Source: NewsData