Effect of Fe2O3 concentration on the structure of the SiO2–Na2O–Al2O3–B2O3 glass system

The structural properties of the glass matrix 40SiO2·30Na2O·1Al2O3·(29 − x)B2O3·xFe2O3 (mol%), 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 29.0 were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and Raman and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). XRD demonstrated Fe3O4 crystal formation for Fe2O3 concentrations of 29.0 mol%. DTA showed that glass transition and crystallization temperatures changed as a function of Fe2O3 concentration and that these alterations were related to structural change in the glass system. Interesting aspects of Raman and FT-IR spectra were found, and this gives information about of the structure changes in Si–O–Si units of these glasses as a function of Fe2O3 concentration.

.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The structural and optical properties of a system can be controlled as a function of Fe.
► The Fe ions occupy Si sites and the local charge is compensated by Na+ ions.
► XRD demonstrated Fe3O4 crystal formation for Fe2O3 concentrations of 29.0 mol%.