An investigation on edge sealing materials for the fabrication of vacuum glazing

This study aims at experimental durability investigation of low-temperature edge sealing material for the fabrication of vacuum glazing. A new technique offers a number of advantages in terms of cost for direct glass to metal sealing over conventional methods such as indium based vacuum glazing. The present study shows the results of three samples that were fabricated with different techniques and sizes. Sample A-170mmx170mm achieved a vacuum pressure of less than 0.001Pa. Sample B-400mmx400mm achieved a vacuum pressure of down to 0.1Pa. Sample C-300mmx300mm achieved a vacuum pressure of 0.088Pa. The edge seal bond was proven to be rigid; the small leakage around the edge can be avoided by improving the seal material uniformity around the periphery. A crack at one of the sides of the glass occurred due to the intense tensile stress resulting from the hot plate surface temperature of 120°C.