Structural and volume changes and their correlation in electron irradiated alkali silicate glasses

Two binary alkali silicate glasses (15K2O·85SiO2 - denoted as K15 and 15Li2O·85SiO2 - denoted as Li15) were irradiated by 50 keV electron beams with doses within the range of 2.1-15.9 kC/m2. Volume changes induced by electron irradiation were monitored by means of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Raman spectra were taken from the irradiated spots to observe structural changes. Volume compaction observed at lower doses was correlated with the increase of the D2 peak. Volume expansion at higher doses was related to migration of alkali ions. Irradiated glasses were annealed at 400 °C and 500 °C for 60 min. After annealing irradiated spots were again examined by AFM and Raman spectroscopy in order to determine volume and structural relaxation of radiation induced changes. Annealing at higher temperatures resulted in the levelling of the pits created by irradiation, but only for doses below incubation dose. The pits created by doses above incubation dose were not levelled. Annealing caused decrease of D2 peak and shift of the Si-O-Si vibrations band in direction to original structure. Low-frequency region of annealed Li15 glass was undistinguishable from that of pristine glass, while annealing of K15 glass did not result in the full reversion to the original shape. The differences between glasses were attributed to higher Tg of K15 glass. Q-motives bands of both glasses were not completely restored after annealing due to the absence of alkali ions.