3D-printing of arsenic sulfide chalcogenide glasses

Abstract

The use of a 3D-printing additive manufacturing process is reported for the first time for the extrusion of chalcogenide glasses by using a filament feed. Several challenges were overcome: preparation of chalcogenide glass filaments by the crucible technique, optimization of extrusion temperature or even filament feeding. The As40S60 chalcogenide glass was selected for its low glass transition temperature (Tg = 188°C) and ease of synthesis and processing. It was extruded using a commercial 3D-printer at a temperature around 140°C above the glass transition temperature. 3D-printed glass specimens were then characterized and no significant difference was observed in comparison with the bulk precursor glass in terms of chemical and thermal properties. This first report of additive manufacturing of chalcogenide glass complex shapes paves the way for the development of novel specialty optical components that could not be produced by conventional methods, including the fabrication of multimaterial optical fiber preforms.