Infrared spectra of double-alkali silicate glasses

Abstract

Infrared reflection spectra have been taken of bisilicate glasses in which one alkali oxide (Na2O, K2O) is gradually replaced by another while their total content is kept constant, and the electrical conductivity and density, of these glasses have been determined. The spectra of single-alkali glasses containing 16–20% of alkali and whose structure, according to some authors, is similar to that of bisilicate glasses, are also included. The main characteristic features of the spectra of double-alkali glasses do not confirm this assumption, but indicate that their structure approximates that of single-alkali glasses; nevertheless, the parts composing the microheterogeneous structure have an altered composition as compared with that of single-alkali glasses. Electrical conductivity passes through a minimum for all three combinations of the alkali oxides, while density passes through a weak maximum in the case of sodium-potassium glasses only.