The structure of glass is unique as an amorphous solid because it does not contain any long-range structural periodicity. Instead, glasses are composed of short-range structural units whose composition and frequency depend on the ratio of glass former to modifier. As this ratio changes, the chemical and physical properties of the glass also change. We synthesized a series of alkali borate glasses and examined the Raman spectra and structural stability as a function of both composition and identity of the modifier. As the mol ratio of glass modifier to former was increased we observed changes in the vibrational spectra indicating a transition from boroxyl to tetraborate structural units. These structural changes appear to be independent of the size of the modifier. Additionally, we exposed these glasses to both acidic and basic media to study the structural stability as a function of composition and modifier size. Neither the size of the modifier, nor the composition modify the ability of the glass to resist dissolution.

Structure and stability of alkali borate glasses

ACS Spring 2022

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