ABSTRACT Increasing the breakdown field strength as a valid way for energy storage improvement is always in the spotlight. However, in contrast to improvement in recoverable energy density ( W rec ) by pursuing high electric fields, the achievement in high energy storage coefficient ( W rec / E b ) and efficiency ( η ) at a decent electric field is more pivotal for practical applications. Herein, we induce the phase and domain structure evolution through precise compositional modification aimed at minimizing interfacial polarization. For the (0.67 − x )BiFeO 3 –0.33BaTiO 3 – x K 0.5 Na 0.5 (Nb 0.85 Ta 0.15 )O 3 ceramics, the microstructural and local defect characteristics also ameliorated, enabling a moderate electric field with pronounced polarization. The ability of polarization fully exerted, providing an exceptional W rec of 7.4 J/cm 3 and a remarkable η of 90% in the optimal composition at 418 kV/cm. Moreover, a superior W rec / E b of 0.0176 µC/cm 2 along with extraordinary charge‐discharge performances, including high discharge density ( W d ∼ 5.0 J/cm 3 ), short discharge time ( t 0.9 ∼ 50 ns) were obtained. This work provides beneficial insights for adjusting the energy storage performances of lead‐free relaxor ferroelectric ceramics.
ABSTRACT The in situ formation of carbon fillers has been demonstrated as an effective strategy to eliminate the agglomeration of carbon fillers in ceramic composites. In this study, combustion synthesis was employed to in situ incorporate carbon into a ZrO 2 –SiO 2 ceramic powder using CO 2 gas as the carbon source and magnesium powder as the exothermic medium. The resulting disordered carbon is uniformly distributed within the powder matrix. Furthermore, magnesium element is simultaneously incorporated into the powder as a byproduct. The co‐presence of carbon and magnesium elements synergistically enhances the solid‐state reaction between ZrO 2 and SiO 2 during sintering, facilitating the formation of ZrSiO 4 at a significantly reduced temperature of 1080°C. Meanwhile, the solid‐state reaction significantly promotes the densification of the ceramic composite. The incorporated carbon exhibits strong bonding with the ceramic matrix and remains stable within the matrix up to at least 1000°C. Compared with conventional ZrSiO 4 , the ZrSiO 4 phase formed in this study exhibits much lower decomposition temperature in range of 1000°C–1200°C. Molten copper exhibits pronounced corrosion toward the ceramic composite, primarily through reactions with the SiO 2 phase released from the decomposition of ZrSiO 4 .
ABSTRACT To avoid grain coarsening typical of conventional high‐temperature sintering, this study proposes a low‐temperature reactive sintering strategy for fabricating dense TiC–SiC composites using Ti 3 SiC 2 and graphite powders. The in situ decomposition of Ti 3 SiC 2 accelerates densification via transient liquid Si and highly active TiC x with abundant carbon vacancies. At the optimal temperature of 1600°C, the composite derived from the as‐received precursor (particle size of 4.17 µm) achieved a relative density of 96.08%, a flexural strength of 558 MPa, a hardness of 20.14 GPa, and a fracture toughness of 6.62 MPa·m 1/2 . To further enhance performance without elevating the temperature, the Ti 3 SiC 2 precursor was refined to 2.09 µm. This refinement effectively suppressed grain growth, increasing the relative density to 97.46% at 1600°C and significantly improving the mechanical properties to a flexural strength of 701 MPa, a hardness of 22.06 GPa, and a fracture toughness of 6.88 MPa·m 1/2 . This work demonstrates an effective pathway for the low‐temperature fabrication of high‐performance composite ceramics.
ABSTRACT Graphene oxide (GO) is widely used to enhance ceramic thermoelectrics, but conventional sintering yields incomplete reduction and interfacial defects. Here, we use oxygen‐deficient entropy‐engineered ceramics (EEC) as the matrix for EEC/GO composites. Pre‐existing oxygen‐vacancy‐related defects promote interfacial oxygen transfer and GO deoxygenation during spark plasma sintering (SPS), without requiring a subsequent reducing‐atmosphere annealing treatment. Optimized interfaces lower potential barriers and suppress electron localization, improving conductivity. Meanwhile, rGO induces strong lattice anharmonicity and abundant boundaries, intensifying phonon scattering and reducing thermal conductivity more rapidly with temperature than pure ceramics. We clarify the interfacial reaction and transport mechanisms. Notably, without any post‑annealing treatment, this strategy achieves a ZT of 0.25 at 1073 K, which exceeds previously reported values for SPS‑processed entropy‑engineered SrTiO 3 ‑based ceramics without post‑annealing treatment—while substantially reducing processing time and energy consumption. The defect‐interface synergy overcomes the drawbacks of traditional reduction strategies, offering a new route for precise interface regulation and high‐performance thermoelectric design.
ABSTRACT Cuprous oxide (Cu 2 O) is a typical p‐type oxide semiconductor with a bandgap of approximately 2.0 eV and suitable band position, making it a promising photocathode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, it faces critical challenges such as low charge separation efficiency and poor photocorrosion stability. Herein, a sandwich‐structured Cu/Cu 2 O/TiO 2 composite photocathode was constructed on FTO conductive glass by combining magnetron sputtering with electrodeposition. In this architecture, the metallic Cu interlayer serves a triple role: enhancing the substrate conductivity, providing nucleation sites to induce the preferential growth of Cu 2 O along the highly active (111) crystal plane, and simultaneously generating hot electrons via the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect to protect carrier generation. The dense TiO 2 overlayer suppresses photocorrosion and forms a p–n heterojunction with Cu 2 O, facilitates efficient spatial charge separation. The resulting Cu/Cu 2 O/TiO 2 photoelectrode achieves a photocurrent density of ‐7.2 mA·cm −2 at 0 V vs. RHE, which is 1.57 and 1.33 times higher than those of pure Cu 2 O and Cu/Cu 2 O, respectively. Through band gradient modulation, this approach reduces charge transfer resistance and prolongs carrier lifetime, confirming the synergistic effects of the Cu SPR layer and the TiO 2 heterojunction. This work presents a versatile strategy for designing high‐performance and durable Cu 2 O‐based photocathodes by combining plasmonic enhancement with heterojunction engineering.
ABSTRACT Alumina–iron composites are attractive for structural and functional applications but are difficult to consolidate because molten Fe poorly wets Al 2 O 3 , promoting capillary‐driven segregation during conventional liquid‐phase sintering. Here, we show that ultrafast nonequilibrium CO 2 laser sintering enables rapid consolidation of this unstable system while limiting liquid‐phase redistribution. Al 2 O 3 –Fe slurries containing 20–50 vol% Fe were tape‐cast and processed under argon using single‐pass laser scanning. The results indicate that Al 2 O 3 remains predominantly solid and densifies by diffusion, while Fe transiently melts and undergoes limited viscous flow. Rapid heating and cooling restrict droplet coalescence, producing a consolidated Al 2 O 3 matrix with a fine, dispersed metallic phase. Increasing scan speed refines the Fe features, consistent with a shorter time available for liquid‐phase redistribution. Quantitative two‐dimensional analysis of the BSE micrographs further supports the scan‐speed‐dependent refinement of the Fe‐rich phase. SEM, TEM, XRD, and STEM‐EDS reveal discrete Al 2 O 3 –Fe interfaces without a continuous reaction layer, while localized FeAl 2 O 4 spinel forms at Al 2 O 3 grain boundaries. This work supports ultrafast laser sintering as a route for consolidating nonwetting ceramic–metal systems.
ABSTRACT The present study investigates curing‐temperature effects on hydration and microstructural evolution of metakaolin‐rich calcined kaolinitic clay (MK), quartz powder (Q), and gypsum induced belite binders. A β‐Dicalcium silicate (β‐C 2 S)‐rich powder was synthesized using Boric acid (H 3 BO 3 ) as a polymorph stabilizer, followed by blending with either MK or Q‐rich reference filler, together with 5 wt% gypsum, and cured at 27°C, 40°C and 55°C at a water‐to‐binder ratio of 0.40. Hydration kinetics, phase assemblage, hydrate structure, and pore structure were characterized using isothermal calorimetry, quantitative X‐ray diffraction (QXRD), thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermogravimetry (TGA–DTG), 29 Si and 27 Al magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR), scanning electron microscopy with backscattered electron imaging and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/BSE–EDX) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). It was inferred that elevated curing temperature strongly accelerated early heat evolution. XRD‐Rietveld revealed that at 28 day—degree of hydration (DoH) was only 31.4% at 55°C, whereas the quartz blend's hydration increased up to 82.3% at 55°C. NMR study showed that higher curing temperature and MK addition yielded a more polymerized Calcium‐Alumino‐Silicate‐Hydrate (C–(A)–S–H) gel (higher mean chain length (MCL)). SEM–EDX showed that for MK induced mixes, the microstructure evolved as a denser but more heterogeneous assemblage at 55°C. Overall, these findings show that curing‐temperature effects depend strongly on blend chemistry and require performance‐based validation.
ABSTRACT Ruthenium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG:Ru) ceramics were synthesized by chemical precipitation. The effects of sintering conditions and the amount and type of sintering additives on the optical properties of YAG:Ru ceramics were investigated. A comparative analysis of the optical properties and color centers was performed as a function of the concentrations of Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and Si 4+ cations. It was found that the maximum linear light transmittance (72% at 1100 nm) was achieved with the addition of MgO or CaO at sintering temperatures of 1800°C and 1825°C, respectively, whereas the use of SiO 2 resulted in a lower transmittance of 58% at 1850°C. The color of the samples varied from red (without additives, with SiO 2 , and with high concentrations of CaO) to gray (with MgO and CaO 0.05 wt%), which could be associated with the formation of different color centers. Several absorption bands in the visible and near‐IR range were found for the YAG:Ru ceramic samples: approximately 2130 nm (0.58 eV, for the sample containing CaO), approximately 1348 nm (0.92 eV, without additives and with SiO 2 ), approximately 585 nm (2.11 eV, without additives), and bands at approximately 450–465 nm and approximately 340 nm (2.75–2.67 and 3.65 eV, respectively, for all samples). Two narrow bands at 648 and 672 nm were detected in the photoluminescence spectra under excitation at 310 nm. These bands appeared in samples with CaO, MgO, and even in undoped YAG, but disappeared upon the introduction of SiO 2 . These results open the possibility of controlling the optical properties of YAG:Ru ceramics by varying the type of sintering additive, revealing potential applications in laser and photochromic systems.
ABSTRACT Polymer‐derived ceramics (PDCs) have emerged as a versatile class of materials. Their unique processing route—from molecularly designed preceramic polymers to tailored ceramic architectures—enables precise control over composition, microstructure, and functionality. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in PDCs research, with emphasis on both fundamental aspects and practical applications. After introducing the chemical basis of preceramic polymers and their transformation into ceramics, we highlight strategies to tailor ceramic properties through elemental doping, nanostructuring, and composite design, including the development of high‐entropy systems. Particular attention is devoted to energy‐related applications, where PDCs serve as electrodes, electrolytes, catalysts, and functional supports in batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, thermoelectrics, and photocatalysis. Their role in environmental technologies is equally examined, spanning porous membranes for water purification, adsorbents for pollutant removal, gas separation, sensing, and advanced thermal insulation. The review also discusses recent progress in shaping technologies, such as additive manufacturing and fiber processing, which expand the design space for complex architectures. By integrating molecular‐level chemistry with multiscale processing and application‐driven design, PDCs are positioned as a key materials platform for sustainable energy conversion and environmental remediation. Finally, we outline current challenges and future opportunities aimed at enhancing their performance, scalability, and integration into next‐generation technologies.
ABSTRACT Single‐phase multiferroic BiFeO 3 exhibits antiferromagnetism and weak magnetoelectric (ME) coupling due to its cycloidal spin structure (period ≈ 62 nm), which fundamentally limits its ME–piezo–photocatalytic activity. Herein, we demonstrate that Sm doping in (Bi 1−x Sm x )FeO 3 ( x = 0–0.2) induces lattice‒distortion coupling that disrupts the spin cycloid and releases latent magnetization, leading to Sm‐doping‐dependent modulation of multiferroicity, ME coupling, and optical properties, with optimal piezo–photocatalysis ( x = 0.15). This lattice‒distortion coupling is further nanoconfined within the one‐dimensional boundaries of the nanoporous hollow (Bi 0.85 Sm 0.15 )FeO 3 ceramic nanofibers (NFs) fabricated by sol‒gel‒electrospinning. The resulting fibers provide abundant catalytic sites, enhanced ferro/piezoelectricity, and a narrowed band gap (2.02 eV), achieving an ME–piezo–photocatalytic rate constant of 2.7 × 10 −2 min −1 . Cyclic tests yield rate constants of 1.77 ± 0.17, 0.84 ± 0.48, and 2.97 ± 0.59 × 10 −2 min −1 , after excluding the outlier, the mean value is 2.50 × 10 −2 min −1 (RSD = 24.8%). Combined with the morphological and microstructural observations, these results confirm the good stability and reusability. The synergistic enhancement originates from ferroelectric and ME vibration‐induced built‐in electric fields that effectively suppress photogenerated electron–hole recombination. This study demonstrates that lattice‒distortion coupling in rare‐earth‐doped BiFeO 3 NFs provides a promising strategy for enhancing ME–piezo–phototronics in environmental remediation.
ABSTRACT The molecular behaviors of C–S–H is of significance to the micro‐/macro‐performances of sustainable cement‐based materials, while their quantitative correlation spanning from molecular to macro is still much elusive. Given that C–S–H gel commonly encounters self‐reaction growth and external metal cations attack (Na + , K + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , and Al 3+ ), this study takes it as a model to investigates its multiscale response mechanisms in terms of molecular structure, microstructure, and micro‐/macro‐mechanical properties, analyzing weightings between multiscale factors. Results show that the crystallinity degree increases with self‐reaction growth age, accompanied by water removal, conversion to OH − , and OH − dissociation. Monovalent metal cations enhance C–S–H gel compactness mainly via surface adsorption and its induced agglomeration, whereas multivalent metal cations exhibit both physical and chemical effects, manifested as ion intercalation affecting the molecular interlayer spacing. Notably, the weight of the interlayer spacing of C–S–H, a key molecular‐level feature, on the splitting tensile strength is far greater than that of the mean chain length of C‐S‐H, and even exceeds those of porosity and bulk density. This confirms the importance of molecular interlayer bonding within C–S–H gel for its macroscopic tensile properties.
ABSTRACT Although NaAlH 4 is considered a promising hydrogen storage material due to its high hydrogen storage capacity (7.5 wt%), its practical application is limited by the high dehydrogenation temperature, slow reaction dynamics and limited reversibility. To solve these problems, we investigate the influence of Li‐doping on the hydrogen storage capacity, hydrogen desorption energy, electronic and optical properties of NaAlH 4 . The results show that the theoretical hydrogen storage capacity of NaAlH 4 increases with increasing Li‐doped concentration, reaching a maximum of 9.6 wt%. Compared with undoped NaAlH 4 , the hydrogen storage capacity of Li‐doped NaAlH 4 is enhanced by 28%. However, an increase in Li‐doped concentration may lead to the formation of LiH phase, which could reduce its reversible hydrogen storage capacity. Although Li‐doped NaAlH 4 remains thermodynamically stable, its thermal stability decreases with increasing Li‐doping concentration. Compared to parent NaAlH 4 , it is beneficial to hydrogen release. Ab‐initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulation further confirmed the thermodynamic stability of Li‐doped NaAlH 4 . Furthermore, the calculated hydrogen desorption energy indicates that Li‐doped reduces the activation energy barrier for hydrogen release, which promotes hydrogen dissociation and desorption. This behavior is related to Li‐induced local charge redistribution, which weakens the bond strength between the Al–H bond in the [AlH 4 ] group. The reduction in Al–H bond energy reduces the reaction energy barrier during the dehydrogenation process, which accelerates the hydrogen release from the NaAlH 4 . This mechanism is further confirmed by band structure, which shows that the band gap gradually narrows with the Li‐doped concentration increases. The narrowing of the band gap enhances electronic transition near the electron free energy surface, which promotes hydrogen release.
ABSTRACT Additive manufacturing of ultrahigh‐temperature ceramics, such as ZrB 2 –SiC composites, remains challenging owing to limited understanding of laser‐induced melting and solidification behavior across a wide composition range. We investigated the melting and solidification behavior of ZrB 2 –SiC powder compacts during laser irradiation using microstructural analysis and in situ synchrotron radiation x‐ray imaging. Laser irradiation formed melted and sintered regions. A partially melted region containing both melted and sintered microstructures was observed between these regions. The eutectic composition of the laser‐melted ZrB 2 –SiC composites was estimated to lie between ZrB 2 –57.5 mol% SiC and ZrB 2 –60 mol% SiC. Compositions far from eutectic, such as ZrB 2 –50 mol% SiC and ZrB 2 –70 mol% SiC, exhibited cracks and voids, whereas such defects were rarely observed in near‐eutectic composition melted regions. In situ transmission imaging revealed melting, solidification, and void formation during laser irradiation and subsequent cooling, consistent with post‐process microstructure observations. ZrB 2 in eutectic microstructure exhibited a blocky morphology with its primary growth direction <0001> approximately parallel to the solidification direction, whereas SiC formed a rod‐like morphology with the <110> primary growth direction approximately parallel to the solidification direction. Thus, near‐eutectic compositions in the ZrB 2 –SiC system enable effective densification and microstructural control through laser‐induced melting and solidification.
ABSTRACT Glass‐ceramics produced through controlled crystallization exhibit properties that are strongly governed by their microstructures. However, quantitative characterization of microstructural evolution is often labor‐intensive and subject to operator‐dependent variability. In this study, a generative adversarial network (GAN)‐based framework was developed to predict the microstructures of sodium borosilicate glass‐ceramics prepared from commercial Pyrex 7740 under different heat‐treatment conditions. The proposed model, designated as a kinetically guided regression‐based conditional Wasserstein GAN with gradient penalty (KG‐RC‐WGAN‐GP), integrates a kinetics‐guided surrogate model with auxiliary regression branches to ensure that the generated microstructures are consistent with both experimental crystallization kinetics and prescribed processing parameters. The model was validated using experimental scanning electron microscopy images and successfully reproduced the crystallization trends and the temperature‐dependent variation in Avrami exponents. Morphological analysis further confirmed that the generated images agreed well with the experimental results in terms of crystal size, aspect ratio, circularity, and spatial distribution. This framework provides an efficient approach for establishing process−microstructure relationships and accelerating the data‐driven design of glass‐ceramic materials.
ABSTRACT The transition from Hall‐Petch to inverse Hall‐Petch behaviors in ceramics is complex and remains poorly understood because of their limited plasticity. In the present study, we employ molecular dynamics simulations with a machine‐learning force field to investigate shear deformation behaviors and associated mechanisms of nanocrystalline boron carbide ( n ‐B 4 C) with various grain sizes ranging from 3.46 to 12.12 nm. A transition from Hall‐Petch to inverse Hall‐Petch behaviors is identified in n ‐B 4 C at a critical grain size of 8.34 nm, with the maximum shear strength of 19.55 GPa. Our results suggest that this transition is primarily driven by the competition between intergranular and intragranular amorphizations in n ‐B 4 C. As the grain size decreases, the increasing grain boundary (GB) regions homogenize the shear stress, which suppresses intergranular amorphization and fracture, thus ultimately strengthening n ‐B 4 C, as observed in the Hall‐Petch behavior. In contrast, with a further decrease of the grain size below the critical value (∼8.34 nm), the substantial increase in the volume fraction of GB regions inherently weakens the material and promotes GB sliding, which further facilitates the intragranular amorphization within interior grains, thereby significantly reducing the shear strength and triggering a transition into the inverse Hall‐Petch relationship. These findings provide an atomistic insight into the deformation mechanisms of n ‐B 4 C and explain the transition from Hall‐Petch to inverse Hall‐Petch behaviors in strong covalent ceramics.
ABSTRACT Liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) is an attractive technical route for the fabrication of high‐performance SiC‐based ceramic matrix composites, and numerical simulation serves as an efficient means of revealing the complex mechanisms during the LSI process. This work systematically reviews advances in the numerical simulation of the LSI process, focusing on the infiltration behavior of molten silicon, Si–C reactive wetting, interfacial reaction mechanisms, the growth kinetics of SiC reaction layers formed in situ, high‐temperature thermophysical properties, and multiphysics modeling strategies. Typical models used in LSI simulation, including those based on Darcy's law, Richards’ equation, the Washburn equation, and the Navier–Stokes equation, are comprehensively compared, with particular emphasis on their fundamental assumptions, application scopes, and inherent limitations in simulating reactive melt infiltration into porous preforms. Emerging microscale numerical methods, namely molecular dynamics (MD) and the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), are also discussed with respect to their ability to resolve micro‐ and nanoscale infiltration behavior and interfacial reaction characteristics. This review summarizes the current status of research and focuses on the core bottlenecks in the numerical simulation of LSI, thereby providing a systematic theoretical foundation for developing high‐reliability multiphysics and multiscale modeling frameworks, conducting in‐depth mechanistic analyses, and optimizing LSI process parameters.
ABSTRACT A method for constructing a CALPHAD (calculation of phase diagrams) database is presented, which can be used for the thermodynamic modeling of supercooled liquid (SCL) silicates. This database is used to derive the thermodynamic driving force of crystallization in the supercooled liquid region for three alkali disilicates as model systems. Together with molecular dynamics simulations of the crystal/SCL interface, the modeling and prediction of homogeneous nucleation rates in the framework of classical nucleation theory (CNT) is presented. It is shown that a remarkably close agreement between calculated and experimental data can be achieved for the nucleation of Li 2 Si 2 O 5 . This approach is therefore promising for developing accurate prediction models for nucleation phenomena in silicate systems.
ABSTRACT Phase separation is a well‐known approach to increase the damage tolerance of oxide glasses. Here, we report the separation of a silicon‐ and boron‐rich phase in a Si‐poor sodium‐borosilicate glass. This phase separation follows initially a strongly suppressed growth‐law, shows a droplet to needle morphology phase evolution, and exhibits a phase inversion. We discuss the phase separation and inversion in terms of structural mobility constraints and internal stresses. Once a needle‐dominated phase morphology is established, a marked increase of of the indentation fracture toughness and an enhanced crack resistance by more than a factor of 5 is observed.
ABSTRACT A comprehensive investigation of composition‐driven symmetry modulation and the structure–property correlation in the lead‐free ferroelectric (1− x )K 0 . 5 Na 0 . 5 NbO 3 – x BiScO 3 (KNN‐ x BS) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) system is discussed. Structural analysis using Rietveld refinement combined with Raman spectroscopy reveals a systematic evolution of the room‐temperature crystal symmetry from orthorhombic ( Amm 2, x = 0) to the coexistence of orthorhombic + monoclinic (0.005 ≤ x ≤ 0.010), to single‐phase monoclinic ( Pm , 0.015 ≤ x ≤ 0.020), and finally to coexistence of monoclinic + cubic ( x ≥ 0.030). Microstructural analysis demonstrates the systematic decrease of grain size with BiScO 3 substitution. Temperature‐dependent dielectric measurements demonstrated a progressive downward shift and broadening of the orthorhombic‐tetragonal ( T O – T ) and tetragonal‐cubic ( T T – C ) transitions with increasing x , with the T O – T transition shifting below room temperature for x ≥ 0.015. The composition x = 0.015 exhibits optimal functional response, with d 33 = 154 pC/N, ε r = 921 at T C , and 2 P r = 68 µC/cm 2 , within the monoclinic stability region. These findings elucidate the role of BiScO 3 ‐induced structural heterogeneity and phase coexistence in governing property enhancement in the modified KNN system. The study also provides insights into phase‐boundary engineering strategies in lead‐free perovskite ferroelectrics.
ABSTRACT Carbon fiber‐reinforced silicon carbide (C f /SiC) composites have attracted considerable attention for aerospace engine applications because of their outstanding high‐temperature stability and mechanical performance. Nevertheless, the pronounced anisotropy, elevated hardness, and brittle nature of these composites pose considerable difficulties for achieving high‐quality machining. This work focuses on elucidating the ablation characteristics and associated mechanisms under picosecond laser multichannel irradiation through numerical simulations and experiments. A temperature field simulation model was established to analyze the thermal evolution. The effects of laser parameters on groove morphology and ablation characteristics were further evaluated. The results indicate that thermal accumulation in the convex planar region decreased with increasing scanning interval and scanning speed. Increasing the laser power from 9 to 15 W led to a significant enlargement of the ablation groove, with the average width and depth increasing by 42.87% and 62.41%, respectively. Conversely, raising the scanning speed from 200 to 1000 mm/s led to substantial reductions of 47.99% in groove width and 59.90% in groove depth. SEM observations revealed recast layers, microcracks, and oxidation products in the ablated region. EDS and XPS analyses confirmed that the dominant ablation product was SiO 2 generated by high‐temperature oxidation reactions. Microhardness measurements indicated that the hardness of the laser‐ablated region decreased by approximately 46.96% compared with the original region. In addition, laser‐assisted milling improves surface quality, reducing surface roughness by 21.90% compared with conventional milling.
