Structural investigations on 20MO-xBi2O3-(80-x)B2O3 (M = Ca, Sr and Ba; x = 15 and 55) glasses

Alkaline earth bismuth borate glasses with molar formula 20MO-xBi2O3-(80-x)B2O3 (M = Ca, Sr and Ba; x = 15 and 55) were prepared by melt-quench method. X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron micrographs confirmed the amorphous nature of the samples. The theoretical values of density, optical basicity and optical interaction parameter of the glasses were calculated. Thermal characteristics of the samples were determined by differential thermal analysis. The structural changes in the boron and bismuth co-ordination with composition were investigated by FT-Raman and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques and were correlated with properties.

► Values of theoretical density and theoretical optical basicity increases.
► Theoretical interaction parameter decreases.
► Glass transition temperature decreases.
► Structure–property correlation is explored by FT-Raman and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques.