Structural role of MgO and PbO in MgO–PbO–B2O3 glasses as revealed by FTIR; a new approach

FTIR spectra of three MgO–PbO–B2O3 glass series have been analyzed. There is a decrease in the fraction N4 of four coordinated boron with increasing the MgO content, at the expense of PbO. A new technique has been presented to make use of the N4 data and follow the change in the modifier and former fractions of PbO and MgO. These fractions change markedly, at different rates, with the glass composition. The fraction of modifier MgO is always less than the MgO content, which suggests a former role of this oxide in the studied glasses. The ability of the glass to include MgO increases with increasing PbO content.

► This work explores the modifier and former roles of PbO and MgO in MgO–PbO–B2O3 glasses.
► FTIR spectroscopy has been used to determine the fraction N4 of four coordinated boron.
► A simple technique has been used to analyze the change of N4 and follow the role of PbO and MgO.
► The ability of glass to include MgO increases with increasing PbO content.