Effect of silver on phase separation and crystallization of niobium oxide containing glasses

Effect of silver introduction in sodium phosphate and sodium borophosphate glasses containing large amount of niobium oxide have been investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and XRD. Same sodium niobate phase in the Nb2O5–NaNbO3 based solid solution have been observed following two heat treatments designed for nucleation and growth of the crystalline phase. Silver introduction in the glass composition is clearly responsible for increasing the crystallization rate. Its effect after nucleation and crystallization treatments has been shown. Phase metastable separation is occurring during heat treatment with formation of a phosphate rich and niobium rich phase. Crystallization effect on optical transparency of glasses and on Raman scattering response have been investigated.

Graphical abstractHRSEM micrograph of acid etched surface of silver doped sodium and niobium phosphate glass after nucleation heat treatment before (a) and after second heat treatment (b), (c) leading to phase separation and crystallization.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide