Microhardness and indentation toughness versus average coordination number in isostructural chalcogenide glass systems

Abstract

Several high purity chalcogenide glasses were prepared by vacuum melting of previously distilled and/or surface oxide removed 5 to 6-nines pure Ge, Sb, Se, As and Te. Vickers hardness number and indentation toughness were measured using the microindentation technique. A previously proposed empirical relation between average coordination number and Vickers hardness number for chalcogen-rich chalcogenide glasses was refined and is discussed in relation to ‘rigidity percolation’ concepts.