The influence of the proportion of silica sand on cement mortar during laser irradiation

The contribution of silica sand which acts as an aggregate in concrete material on its properties has been clarified in past research. However, it is crucial to investigate the cut characteristics of cement mortar with different content of silica sand using a laser beam. In this study, cement mortars with different mixed ratios of cement and silica sand are utilized to be cut by a high-power laser beam. The influence of the silica sand content on the cut profile including melting width, kerf width, and penetration depth was clarified. Furthermore, the investigation of the glassy layer produced on the cut surface was investigated. The results show that the effect of laser scanning speed and silica sand contents on melting and kerf widths was indistinctly observed, but the difference in the penetration depth was certainly revealed. In addition, the relationship between the thickness of the glassy layer and the proportion of silica sand was established.