Gwenael Maze

Title: Gwenael Maze: Innovator in Fluoride Glass Technologies

Introduction

Gwenael Maze is a notable inventor based in Rennes, France. He has made significant contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in the development of innovative fluoride glass technologies. With a total of 2 patents, his work has implications for various applications in optics and materials engineering.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents focuses on composite materials that associate an amorphous barium fluoride coating. This invention provides a coating with a very high vitrification rate. The resulting surface exhibits physicochemical characteristics similar to those of fluoride glass. To achieve this result, the material constituting the fluoride glass enamel quickly traverses the temperature range between the melting point and the glossy transition temperature. Additionally, the metallic substrate temperature must be sufficiently high to enable an active physiochemical process at the glass-metal interface, resulting in effective 'hooking'. This 'hooking' temperature is notably higher than that where physical adhesion occurs, which is a result of Van der Waals interactions without the formation of chemical bonds at the glass-metal interface. The unique chemical reactivity of molten fluorides, which typically leads to corrosion issues, is advantageous in this case, as it generally reduces the hooking temperature to a level significantly below the glass melting temperature.

Another significant patent involves processes for manufacturing fluoride glass fibers and optical components. This process entails producing optical fibers and components from bars or molds of fluoride glass, drawing out optical quality molds from highly pure glass. The glass is then stretched or fibered into optical fibers in a dry atmosphere, free from dust and other contaminants. This method results in a low hydroxyl content fluoride glass, which is essential for the manufacture of optical fibers and components. The dehydration of the fluoride mixture occurs during prolonged heating at temperatures below 450°C, in the presence of fluoride or ammonium bifluoride, and by holding the molten mixture at high temperatures until dehydration is achieved. The drawing out, stretching, and fibering processes are conducted in a vacuum to ensure quality.

Career Highlights

Gwenael Maze is currently associated with Le Verre Fluore SA, a company specializing in fluoride glass technologies. His work has positioned him as a key figure in the advancement of materials used in optical applications.

Collaborations

He collaborates with notable colleagues, including Vincent Cardin and Jean-Yves Carree