Prominent Nanocrystallization of 25K2O·25Nb2O5·50GeO2 Glass

Some K₂O-Nb₂O₅-GeO₂ glasses are prepared, and their crystallization behaviors are examined. 25K₂O·25Nb₂O₅·50GeO₂ glass with the glass transition temperature T _g= 622°3C and crystallization onset temperature T _x= 668°3C shows a prominent nanocrystallization. The crystalline phase is K_3,8Nb₅Ge₃O_20,4 with an orthorhombic structure. The sizes of crystals in the crystallized glasses heat-treated at 630° and 720°3C for 1 h are °10 and 20–30 nm, respectively, and the crystallized glasses obtained by heat treatments at 620°-850°3C for 1 h maintain good transparency. The density of crystallized glasses increases gradually with increasing heat-treatment temperature, and the volume fraction of crystals in the sample heat-treated at 630°3C for 1 h is estimated to be ∼35%. The usual Vickers hardness and Martens hardness (estimated by nanoindentation) of 25K₂O·25Nb₂O₅·50GeO₂ glass change steeply by heat treatment at T _g, i.e., at around 35% volume fraction of nanocrystals. The present study demonstrates that the composite of nanocrystals and the glassy phase has a strong resistance against deformation during Vickers indenter loading in crystallized glasses.     

The System SiO2–P2O2

Phase relations in the binary system between SiO₂-P₂O₅ and SiO₂ were investigated by the quenching method using sealed platinum tubes to prevent the loss of P₂O₅. The compound Si0₂-P₂O₅ exists in two forms, the low-temperature β form inverting sluggishly but reversibly to the high-temperature β form at 1030°C. The β form melts congruently at 1290°C. The compound 2SiO₂-P₂O₅ melts incongruently at 1120°C to a silica-rich liquid and SiO_a-P₂O₅. In the region between 5 and 25 mole % PO₂, reactions were so sluggish that no data could be obtained by quenching.     

High Quality and Yield in Potassium Titanate Whiskers Synthesized by Calcination from Hydrous Titania

Hydrous titanium dioxide (TiO₂· n H₂O) was used to prepare K₂Ti₂O₅ single crystals, K₂Ti₄O₉ whiskers and K₂Ti₆O₁₃ whiskers at 820°, 940°, and 1110°C, respectively, by calcination. At T < 820°C, dehydration of hydrous titania, decomposition of potassium carbonate, and reaction between titanate and potassium oxide occurred simultaneously, ending with a crystallization reaction of K₂Ti₂O₅ single crystals at 820°C. Subsequently, K₂Ti₂O₅ single crystals convert into K₂Ti₄O₉ whiskers at 940°C, and K₂Ti₄O₉ whiskers further convert into K₂Ti₆O₁₃ whiskers at 1110°C. The reaction temperatures for the generations of these types of potassium titanates were all 10°–40°C lower than the corresponding temperatures when anatase was used as the reactant. The whiskers synthesized in the present study exhibited uniform size, good morphology, and a high yield.     

The System K2O-BaO-SiO2

Phase equilibrium studies of compound formation and liquidus and solidus surfaces of the system K₂O-BaO-SiO₂ are presented. The system contains 3 ternary compounds: K₄BaSi₃O₉, K₈BaSi₁₀O₂₅, and K₂Ba₃Si₈O₂₀. Both high and low polymorphs of the third have fields on the ternary liquidus surface. Solid solution with SiO₂ depresses the high-low inversion from 1030°C at K₂Ba₃Si₈O₂₀ to 835°C at 70.2 mol% SiO₂. Data for 20 liquidus invariant points were found; 8 are thermal maxima and 12 are eutectics or peritectics. The isofracts of quenched glasses were determined.     

Electrical Conductivity of TiO2-V2O5-P205 Glasses

The dc conductivities (σ) of V₂O₅-P₂O₅ glasses containing up to 30 mol% TiO₂ were measured at T=100° to ∼10°C below the glass-transition temperature. Dielectric constants from 30 to 10⁶ Hz, densities, and the fraction of reduced V ion were measured at room temperature. The conduction mechanism was considered to be small polaron hopping between V ions, as previously reported for V₂O₅-P₂O₅ glass. The temperature dependence of σ was exponential with σ = σ₀ exp(-W/kT ) in the high-temperature range. When part of the P₂O₅ was replaced by TiO_2,σ increased and W decreased. The hopping energy depended on the reciprocal dielectric constant which, in this case, increased with increasing TiO₂ content.     

Structure and Properties of Low Phonon Antimony Glasses in the K2O–B2O3–Sb2O3–ZnO System

The monolithic glass-forming region of the low phonon and low softening point antimony glasses containing high Sb₂O₃ (40–75 mol%) in the novel quaternary K₂O–B₂O₃–Sb₂O₃–ZnO system has been found with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The structure of a series of glasses with the general composition of (mol%) 15K₂O–15B₂O₃–(70− x )Sb₂O₃– x ZnO (where x =5–25) has been evaluated by infrared reflection spectral (FT-IRRS) analyses. All the glasses are found to possess a low phonon energy of around 600 cm⁻¹, as revealed by FT-IRRS. Their softening point ( T _s), glass transition temperature ( T _g), and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) have been found to vary in the ranges of 351°–379°C, 252°–273°C, and 195–218 × 10⁻⁷ K⁻¹, respectively. These properties are found to be controlled by their fundamental property, like the covalent character of the glasses, which is found to increase with an increase in Sb₂O₃ content. In addition, the devitrified glasses have been characterized by XRD and field emission scanning electron microscopy, which manifests the presence of nanozinc antimony oxide crystals with sizes of 21–43 nm. The exhibited properties have revealed that they are a new class of versatile materials.     

Structure and Mechanism of Conduction of Semiconductor Glasses

The area of glass formation in the system GeO₂-P₄O₁₀-V₂O₅ and the properties of the glasses in this area were determined. The glasses displayed electronic conduction at room temperature (25°C). Resistivity ranged from 500 ohm-cm to 10⁹ ohm-cm at 25°C. Some of the glasses had unusual negative temperature coefficients of resistance of the order of -760,000 ppm °C⁻¹ in the range 25° to -55°C. Volt-ampere characteristics indicated nonlinearity suitable for thermistor application. Other unusual properties included high refractive indices from 1.6 to >2.0 and dielectric constants from 6 to 33 at 1 Mc and 25°C. Values of loss-tangents, however, were high. Infrared spectra indicated that the V⁵⁺ ion existed in sixfold coordination in the glassy state as well as in the devitrified crystalline state. The normal vibrational frequency of the V–O bond at 1015 cm⁻¹ was observed for all glasses in the system. Property versus composition curves indicated that density, refractive index, and dielectric constant of ternary glasses in the system do not obey the additivity rule. The density versus mole % V₂O₅ curve goes through a minimum. Derived quantities from experimental data indicate pronounced influence of V₂O₅ on oxygen packing in the system. Addition of SiO₂, even in small quantities, destroys glass formation. The structure of these glasses, which differs from that of silicate glasses, is discussed. A mechanism of conduction is suggested, based on evidence from magnetic susceptibility, chemical analysis, activation energy, and infrared spectra.     

Synthetic Mica Investigations: II, Role of Fluorides in Mica Batch Reactions

Various fluorides were studied to determine which might be suitable for the synthesis of fluor-phlogopite mica (K₂Mg₆Al₂Si₆O₂₀F₄). K₂SiF₆, MgF₂, K₂AlF₅, and K₃AlF₆ are preferred in that order. KF, KMgF₃, AlF₃, KAlF₄, and MgSiF₆· 6H₂O are less suitable for the purpose. Solid-state reaction studies were made on the following binary partial systems of the mica batch: MgF₂+ MgO, 3MgF₂+ Al₂O₃, 2MgF₂+ SiO₂, 3MgF₂+ KAlSi₃O₈, K₂SiF₆+ 3MgO, K₂SiF₆+ Al₂O₃, K₃AlF₆+ 3MgO, and K₃AlF₆+ 3SiO₂. Solid-state reaction studies on various types of fluor-phlogopite batches showed that this mica compound can be synthesized at temperatures as low as 750°C. For best results, however, it should be done at 1000° to 1300°C. in closed containers, using anhydrous batch materials to minimize hydrolysis of the fluorides and loss of HF. Many of the mica batches expand as they react in the solid state, and there is danger in large-scale experiments that the container may break unless heating is rapid between 750° and 1200°C.     

Thermal Treatment of Titanate Derivatives Synthesized by Ion-Exchange Reaction

TiO₂ fibers were formed by thermal treatment of layered H₂Ti₄O₉ (hydrous titanium dioxide) and KHTi₄O₉ synthesized by ion-exchange reactions. The calcination of the former at 900° and 1050°C for 3 h yielded TiO₂ fibers with anatase and rutile phases, whose length and diameter were 15–20 and 2–5 μm and 10–15 and 3–5 μm, respectively. The thermal treatment of the latter at temperatures of 250° to 500°C yielded pure K₂Ti₈O₁₇, which tended to decompose to K₂Ti₆O₁₃ and TiO₂ at temperatures >600°C. At 1050°C, K₂Ti₆O₁₃ phase was formed with rutile TiO₂ fibers, whose length and diameter were 10–20 and 1–3 μm, respectively.     

Reactions in the System TiO2-P2O5

The system TiO₂-P₂O₅ was investigated in the compositional range TiO₂.P₂O₅ to 100% TiO₂. Two compounds exist, TiO₂.P₂O₅ and 5TiO₂.-2P₂O₅. TiO₂.P₂O₅ begins to lose P₂O₅ at 1400°C. and both fusion and vaporization proceed rapidly at 1500°C. 5TiO₂.2P₂O₆ melts congruently at 1260°± 3°C. to a glass which can be retained in substantial quantities at room temperature. Physical properties of certain compositions are described.     

High-Temperature Energy Relations in the Alkali Borates: Binary Alkali Borate Compounds and Their Glasses

The energy relations existing between the congruently melting compounds Li₂O -2B₂O₃, Na₂O–2B₂O₃, Na₂O-4B₂O₃, and K₂O-4B₂O₃ and their glasses have been determined for the temperature range 25° to 1100°C. High-temperature heat-content, entropy, and heat of solution data are given for both the glasses and the corresponding devitrified materials. A comparison of the heats of fusion of the alkali borates on a gram atom of oxygen basis shows that they follow the order Li > Na > K. The entropy differences between the glass and the corresponding crystalline material have been determined at 25°C. The free-energy change at 25°C. for the reaction crystal → glass has been calculated for the four compounds.     

Studies in Lithium Oxide Systems: X, Lithium Phosphate Compounds

As a preliminary to the investigation of the ternary systems Li₂O-B₂O₃-P₂O₅ and Li₂O-SiO₂-P₂O₅ the existence of the previously reported lithium ortho-, pyro-, and metaphosphate compounds was confirmed. A rapid, reversible inversion takes place in Li₄P₂O₇ at 630°C. New data on the melting points, optical properties, and X-ray diffraction patterns of each of the compounds were obtained.     

Liquid Immiscibility in the System K2O-B2O3-SiO2

The subliquidus miscibility gap in the system K₂O-B₂O₃-SiO₂ has been determined for compositions with molar ratios SiO₂/B₂O₃<2 and T≥550°C. The shape of the miscibility gap is an elongated dome similar in form to, but less extensive than those in the lithium and sodium borosilicate systems. The consolute composition (molar) and temperature are estimated to be 4 ± 1 K₂O -30±8 B₂O₃-66±8 SiO₂ and 629±5°C, respectively .     

Phase Equilibria in the System Nd2O3-P2O5

The phase diagram for the system NdI₂O₃-P₂O₅ was constructed. Six intermediate compounds, having molar Nd₂O₃: P₂O₅ ratios of 3:1, 7:3, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:5, were identified. The 3:1, 7:3, and 1:1 compounds are stable to at least 1500°C. The 1:2 compound decomposes to 1:1 and 1:3 at 730 ± 5°C. The 1:3 and 1:5 compounds melt congruently at 1280 ± 5° and 1055 ± 5°C, respectively. None of the neodymium phosphates show lower temperature limits of stability.     

Raman Spectra of Rare-Earth Phosphate Glasses

Raman spectra have been recorded for glasses in the binary systems CeO₂-P₂O₅ and Pr₂O₃-P₂O₅. The cerium phosphate glasses were prepared having different concentrations of CeO₂ and the praseodymium phosphate glasses with different ratios of Pr³⁺ to Pr⁴⁺. The spectra indicate that both cerium and praseodymium enter the glass in modifying sites. We see no changes in the Raman spectra with Pr³⁺/Pr⁴⁺ ratio. Measurements of the density and glass transition temperature are also reported.     

Phase Equilibria in the System La2O3-P2O5

Subsolidus phase equilibria in the system La₂O₃-P₂O₅ were established. The system contains six intermediate compounds having molar La₂O₃:P₂O₅ ratios of 3:1,7:3,1:1,1:2,1:3, and 1:5. It was found that the 3:1 compound has a phase transformation at 935°C. The 1:2 compound decomposes to a mixture of 1:1 and 1:3 at 755°C. The 1:3 compound melts incongruently to 1:1 and liquid at 1235°C and the 1:5 compound melts congruently at 1095°C. None of the lanthanum phosphates have lower temperature limits of stability.     

Synthesis of Titanate Derivatives Using Ion-Exchange Reaction

Two types of titanate derivatives, layered hydrous titanium dioxide (H₂Ti₄O₉· n H₂O) and potassium octatitanate (K₂Ti₈O₁₇) with a tunnellike structure, were synthesized using an ion-exchange reaction. Fibrous potassium tetratitanate (K₂Ti₄O₉· n H₂O) was prepared by calcination of a mixture of K₂CO₃ and TiO₂ with a molar ratio of 2.8 at 1050°C for 3 h, followed by boiling-water treatment of the calcined products for 10 h. The material then was transformed to layered H₂Ti₄O₉· n H₂O through an exchange of K⁺ ions with H⁺ ions using HCl. K₂Ti₈O₁₇ was formed by a thermal treatment of KHTi₄O₉· n H₂O. Pure KHTi₄O₉· n H₂O phase was effectively produced by a treatment of K₂Ti₄O₉ with 0.005 M HCl solution for 30 min. Thermal treatment at 250°–500°C for 3 h resulted in formation of only K₂Ti₈O₁₇.     

Crystallization Kinetics of a Complex Lithium Silicate Glass-Ceramic

Volume crystallization of this glass is nucleated by Li₃PO₄. On heating from room temperature, Li₂SiO₃ appears around 650°C and then converts to Li₂Si₂O₅ around 850°C by reaction with SiO₂ from the melt. Preheating the glass at 1000°C forms larger Li₃PO₄ nuclei that promote additional crystallization of cristobalite in the 650° to 850°C range. Crystallization activation energies calculated from scan-rate dependence of DTA peaks are 270 kJ/mol for Li₂SiO₃ and 360 to 570 kJ/mol for Li₂Si₂O₅.     

Electronic Conductivity and Related Properties of Amorphous and Crystallized V2O5-Based Glasses

Crystallization of V₂O₃ from V₂O₃P₂O₃, glasses containing 0 to 9 mol% B₂O₃, during heat treatment in the range 220° to 410°C, caused progressive micro structural changes which dramatically affected the electronic conductivity (γ), the activation energy for conduction ( W ), and the resistance to chemical attack. All compositions were ≊83% crystalline after heating to 410°C. As a result, the values of γ and W were almost identical to those observed for pure polycrystalline V₂O₅.     

Studies in Germanium Oxide Systems: IV, Phase Equilibria in the System K,O-GeO,

Phase relations in the binary system K₂O-GeO₂ were determined by conventional quenching techniques. Three compounds, K₂O.2GeO₂, 3K₂O.11GeO₂, and K₂O.7GeO₂, exist in the composition range 65 to 100% GeOn. The compound 3K₂O.1lGeO₂ melts congruently at 1055°C, whereas K₂O.2GeO₂ and K₂O.7GeO₂ melt incongruently at 761° and 950°C, respectively. Thermal expansion data for the crystalline compounds are presented. The structure of potassium germanate glasses is discussed.