Structure and composition of the surface layer of Zr-containing fiberglass materials

The chemical composition and structure of Zr-containing fiberglass materials were studied by Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The domains built of three-dimensional network of silicon–oxygen tetrahedrons connected through zirconium were revealed in the bulk of fiber. The space between these domains was found to be filled with sodium silicates and carbonates (in subsurface layers). It was shown that the leaching of fiberglass materials resulted in the formation of a SiO2 layer on the fiber surface, which was almost zirconium free.

► Study of structure and composition of Zr-containing fiberglass materials
► Bulk of fiberglass materials was found to be non-uniform.
► Surface layer of unleached and leached fiberglass material is depleted with zirconium.