Fundamental study on laser treatment of architectural materials

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Abstract
Although the use of lasers for cutting and welding metals has spread rapidly in recent years, laser processing of cement-base materials or natural stone used in the construction industry seems to have received relatively little attention. This paper presents the results of initial studies made to survey the feasibility of using laser treatment for surface modification of cement-base materials. CO2 laser irradiation of specimens containing pre-determined amounts of cement, zeolite and other additives yielded an emerald green glass surface layer which cannot usually be obtained by conventional methods of heating. The green colour is believed to be due to Fe2+ ions present in the mortar in the form of iron oxide. The laser irradiation experiments also yielded an important conclusion that the water content of the mortar needs to be carefully controlled in order to obtain good results. If the water content is improper, the surface tends to “explode” into fragments during laser beam irradiation. In addition to its decorative effect, the glass layer also possesses high hardness and serves as a barrier against the influx of moisture. However, the strength of the mortar is lowered by laser treatment due to the formation of a heat degraded zone just under the glass layer, and means of keeping such strength losses to a minimum need to be investigated in the future.

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