Structural changes of Ag+–Na+ ion exchanged soda-lime glasses investigated by scanning electron microscopy and infrared reflectivity

The combination of infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy allowed the monitoring of the structural changes of a soda-lime glass submitted to increasing durations of Ag+–Na+ ion exchange in a molten salt bath at 350 °C. Both techniques show an insertion of silver ions in the glass structure that is about 10% higher than the departure of sodium ions. The electro neutrality of the compounds is preserved with local alterations which lead to a higher degree of depolymerization of the silicate network. During the exchange process only sodium leaves the matrix and its content does not go beyond a threshold of about 50% of the initial content.