Alkali Corrosion Research Articles

Study on the water and mold resistance of ZnO/polyurethane superhydrophobic coating on circuit boards

In this work, superhydrophobic coatings were prepared on circuit boards based on the susceptibility of circuit boards to harsh environments such as humidity and mold adhesion, leading to reduced service life. Firstly, cetyltrimethoxysilane and γaminopropyltriethoxysilane were used to modify zinc oxide nanoparticles with different particle sizes. Then polyurethane and modified nanoparticles were successively sprayed on the circuit boards with a spraying process, and the superhydrophobic coatings were finally produced. The impact of the zinc oxide mass ratio with different particle sizes, silane coupling agent content, and surface modifier content on the hydrophobicity of the coatings were investigated. The results show that when the mass ratio of zinc oxide (30nm) to zinc oxide (90nm) is 1:1, the silane coupling agent content is 12‰. The surface modifier content is 12‰, the hydrophobicity of the coating is the best, and its CA can be up to 169.5°, and its SA can be up to 2.8°. It exhibits good protection of circuit boards in the tests of adhesion, acid, and alkali corrosion resistance, self-cleaning performance, and anti-mold performance. Performance, so that the coating is in the future field of electronic equipment applications.

Preparation of superhydrophobic polyurethane sponge with photodegradation function and study on its oil-water separation performance

The surface of tetrapod-shaped zinc oxide whiskers (T-ZnOw) was hydrophobized by the sol-gel method, and then loaded onto the surface of polyurethane sponge by dip-curing method to prepare a superhydrophobic polyurethane sponge with photodegradation function. When the mass ratio of superhydrophobic tetrapod-shaped zinc oxide whiskers (ST-ZnOw) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was 0.5:1, the water contact angle of the sponge was 157.5°. After being soaked in acid and alkali corrosion solution, rubbed with sandpaper and heat treated, the sponge can still maintain excellent hydrophobic properties. The adsorption capacity for different oils and organic solvents is 12 to 35 times of its own mass. After repeated extrusion-oil absorption experiments, it can still maintain its good adsorption capacity and high hydrophobicity, showing excellent reusability. The continuous oil-water separation efficiency of the material for different oils and organic solvents is above 95%, and the separation efficiency for the emulsion prepared with span80 content of 0.1wt% is 99.84%. At the same time, the prepared material can degrade the organic dye methylene blue under ultraviolet light, with a degradation rate of 99.35%, showing excellent potential for degrading organic pollutants.

Superhydrophobic Corrosion-Resistant Coating of AZ91D Magnesium Alloy: Preparation and Performance

This research presents the development of a surface treatment for AZ91D magnesium alloy that exhibits both superhydrophobic and anticorrosive properties. Initially, a zinc-based phosphate film was deposited on the magnesium alloy surface. Subsequently, a composite coating with superhydrophobic properties was produced by surface modification using a fluorosilane-ethanol solution. The composite coating’s microstructure, chemical composition, wettability, self-cleaning, and anti-corrosion properties were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, a contact angle measurement instrument, and an electrochemical workstation. The results demonstrated that the main components of the composite coating were P, O, Zn, F, and C. The static contact angle reached 158°, providing superior self-cleaning and acid and alkali corrosion resistance. Additionally, the charge transfer resistance and coating resistance of the composite coating were significantly higher than those of the magnesium alloy substrate, effectively preventing corrosion and preserving the surface from fouling.

Preparation of superhydrophobic/oleophobic wood coating with fluorinated silica sol by a simple spraying method

The biomimetic construction of superhydrophobic coatings on wood surfaces significantly reduces the water absorption capacity of wood while enhancing its deformation resistance, thereby extending the service life of wooden structures. In this work, a fluorinated silica sol was prepared from alkaline silica sol and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (PFDMS), and evenly sprayed over the wood surface to effectively produce superhydrophobic/oleophobic wood specimens. The effect of the preparation procedure of fluorinated silica sol on the wettability of the coating was investigated. Acid and alkali corrosion tests were conducted to assess the chemical stability of the superhydrophobic coating, while sandpaper abrasion tests were used to evaluate its mechanical stability. The results showed that with a volume ratio of silica sol to PFDMS of 6:1 and a reaction period of 30 min, the modified wood exhibited excellent superhydrophobicity, with a water contact angle of 157.3° and an oil contact angle of 126.5°. Furthermore, the superhydrophobic coating demonstrated excellent mechanical and chemical durability, along with self-cleaning properties. These findings have significant practical implications for enhancing the performance and longevity of wood.

Preparation and performance study of silicon modified polyurethane-based magnetorheological elastomeric polishing pad

Abstract By employing Magnetorheological Elastomers (MREs) as polishing pads for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), the magnetorheological properties are utilized to effectively control the flexible removal of materials in CMP. This study presents a method for preparing a Silicon modified Polyurethane (SPU)-based MRE polishing pad, aimed at demonstrating improved magnetorheological properties while preserving mechanical properties. The SPU-based MRE polishing pad was synthesized through the copolymerization of hydroxypropyl silicone oil and polyurethane prepolymers, with subsequent evaluation of its mechanical properties and polishing performance. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of the soft polydimethylsiloxane main chain from organosilicon into the polyurethane main chain, forming a soft segment that intertwines with the polyurethane main chain to create a soft-hard segment crosslinked structure. Comparison to Polyurethane (PU)-based MRE, SPU exhibits significantly reduced hardness but improved wear resistance, as well as enhanced resistance to acid and alkali corrosion. Due to the presence of a soft matrix, SPU shows better magnetorheological effects than PU-based MRE. Under a magnetic field intensity of 845 mT, the magnetorheological effect of PU-based MRE is only 18%, while Si-15.96 and Si-16.79 SPU-based MREs can reach 84% and 110%, respectively. Although the Material Removal Rate (MRR) of single-crystal SiC decreases after polishing with SPU compared to PU-based MRE, a higher surface quality is achieved, and the glazing degree of the polishing pad is significantly reduced. In the magnetic field-assisted polishing of single crystal SiC, the MRR increased by 38.4% when polished with an SPU-based MRE polishing pad, whereas the MRR was only 8.7% when polished with a PU-based MRE polishing pad. This study provides further evidence for the development and application of MRE in CMP.

Low-heat & early-strength well cement system: Application of HSA in hydrate layer cementing

Aiming at the problem that cement hydration heat release easily leads to hydrate decomposition when cementing deep water hydrate layer in the ocean. Heat storage agent (HSA) was prepared, and a cementing system that can be used in hydrate layer was proposed by using early-strength cement and heat storage agent. The research objective is to reduce the hydration temperature of cement on the basis of ensuring the early strength of the cement system so as to meet the cementing needs of the hydrate stratigraphic. In this study, a new heat storage agent was invented and its performance tested. The properties of different proportions of early-strength cement and Class G cement were compared. The performance changes of the cement system after adding heat storage agent were tested. The test results show that heat storage agent can resist the corrosion of seawater and alkali. After heat storage agent is added to the early-strength cement system, the hydration temperature of the cement can be greatly reduced, and the low-temperature (4 °C 24h) compressive strength can reach 5.1 MPa. The microscopic test shows that heat storage agents only affect the hydration rate and temperature of cement without affecting its stability. The results proved that the heat storage agent can be used as an environmentally friendly regulator of the heat of hydration for oil well cement. The results proved that the heat storage agent can be used as a regulator of the heat of hydration of oil well cement.

Durability of geopolymer cementitious materials synergistically stimulated by Ca2+ and Na+

Fewer studies related to the durability of multi-source solid waste geopolymer cementitious materials and the massive accumulation of industrial solid waste are urgent problems to be solved in practice in Inner Mongolia, China. In this paper, blast furnace slag (BFS), fly ash (FA), and calcium carbide slag (CCS) are used as the main raw materials to prepare geopolymer cementitious materials (BFCG) with Calcium Carbide Slag as the Ca-source alkali activator and NaOH as the Na-source alkali activator, considering their durability properties. By assessing the indicators of mechanical performance, engineering performance, and the synergistic mechanism of Ca2+ and Na+ in multi-source solid waste geopolymer, four sets of BFCG ratio optimization schemes are selected. XRD, FT-TR, SEM-EDS, and other testing methods are used to analyze its freeze–thaw resistance and acid–alkali-salt corrosion resistance. The following conclusions are drawn: the BFCG prepared under the synergistic excitation of Ca2+ and Na+ has better resistance to freezing and thawing, as well as acid-alkali-salt corrosion, both of which are in accordance with the standard specifications for road construction in China. After the freeze–thaw cycles, BFCG still has more three-dimensional network-like silica-aluminate structures, a compact micromorphology, and small pores. Its strength loss rate is 0.56 %–15.56 %, the mass loss rate is 0.19 %–1.26 %, and the relative dynamic modulus is 79.56 %–100.25 %. In a NaOH environment, the crystal type of BFCG did not change significantly, and the resistivity coefficients are 115.78 %–143.54 %. In a Na2SO4 environment, the decalcification or dealumination of C-A-S-H gel leads to the formation of a gel rich in silicon, magnesium, and aluminum phases, with a corrosion resistance coefficient of 101.8 %–119.96 %. In a HCl environment, HCl erosion inhibits the growth of hydration product crystals, with corrosion resistance coefficients ranging from 73.83 % to 97.24 %. BFCG-D has the best resistance to freezing and thawing as well as acid and alkali corrosion. BFCG-D has the best resistance to freezing and thawing as well as acid and alkali corrosion. These studies show that BFCG offers a promising solution for improving the durability of road base materials and reducing industrial solid waste.

Mechanics and Durability of Polyurethane Cement Composite (PUC) Material

In order to investigate the mechanical properties of polyurethane cement (PUC) composite materials, axial tensile test, acid and alkali corrosion resistance test, bond test with concrete, and bond test with steel bars were conducted. The axial tensile results show that the tensile strength of PUC material is 31.11MPa, the stress-strain curve for axial tensile behavior of the material is obtained through fitting. To explore the durability of PUC materials, acid-alkali-salt corrosion resistance test is carried out, the results show that the PUC material has good resistance to acid and alkali corrosion. The failure mode of the bond test between PUC material and concrete is internal cohesion failure of concrete material, indicating good bond performance of PUC material. Axial tensile test of PUC material is carried out at different temperatures (-40℃~60℃). When subjected to temperatures between 40�C and 60�C, the strength of materials does not deteriorate. However, it is noteworthy that the material�s ability to withstand tensile strain significantly increases as temperatures rise to 60�C. The bonding strength between PUC material and steel bar increases with an increase in protective layer thickness, and at a thickness of 70 mm, the maximum bond stress is achieved at 16.38 MPa. On the other hand, the strength of the bond reduces as the anchorage length increases. Smooth round bars demonstrate a significantly lower bond strength compared to deformed bars, as their maximum bond strength is at approximately 47.4% of that of the deformed bars under the same conditions.

Efficient synthesis of durable superhydrophobic SiO2@PFDMS coatings on bamboo by liquid deposition

Fast-growing bamboo offers a sustainable alternative to meet the increasing demand for wood. However, its inherent hydrophilicity limits its performance, necessitating hydrophobic modifications to enhance longevity. In this study, 1 H,1 H,2 H,2 H- perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane was used to anchor SiO2 nanoparticles onto bamboo surface, creating superhydrophobic coatings. The nanoparticles constructed a micro-/nano-rough structure on the bamboo surface, and fluorosilanes significantly reduced the surface energy of bamboo. The wettability, micro-morphology, chemical composition, and resistance to acid and alkali corrosion, mechanical abrasion, and UV aging of the superhydrophobic coatings were extensively investigated. The results demonstrated that the modified bamboo achieved a surface energy of 0.2±0.0 J/m2 and a water contact angle of 156.8±0.2°. Furthermore, the coating exhibited excellent chemical and physical stability. This straightforward and effective surface treatment method offers substantial potential for broadening bamboo's applications in outdoor environments.

Superhydrophobic surface with good anti-icing properties and high durability

Ice formation is a widespread phenomenon in nature, and superhydrophobic surfaces, due to their excellent hydrophobic properties, are extensively employed in the field of ice prevention. In this study, silane coupling agent (Si69) is used to modify the petal-like SiO2 surface to reduce its surface energy. An epoxy/benzoxazine/Si69-SiO2 ternary mixed superhydrophobic surface is constructed on basalt fiber fabric using a spray and thermal curing method. Examination of the data reveals that a 1:2 proportion of Si69-SiO2 and epoxy/benzoxazine yields a surface whose hydrophobicity is quantified by a water contact angle measuring 165±2°. The water droplet bounces three times on the surface, demonstrating optimal superhydrophobicity. Compared to samples without the addition of Si69-SiO2, the icing time is extended by approximately 4.83 times. Following 30 iterations of freeze-thaw processes, the surface retains its exceptional water-repellent properties, demonstrating excellent ice-phobic stability. Furthermore, the surface maintains its superhydrophobic performance, demonstrating excellent mechanical durability, even after being subjected to friction with SiC sandpaper (220 mesh) for 200 cm under a pressure of 3.2 Kpa and reciprocal friction for 30 minutes under a 50 g load. The surface can withstand over 12 hours of acid and alkali corrosion, and it also possesses excellent self-cleaning capabilities.

Process and mechanism of recovery of lepidolite and spodumene by flotation with synergistic action of alkali corrosion and Mg(II)

How to efficiently extract lithium resources from raw ore plays an important role in promoting the development of new energy fields dominated by lithium. Therefore, this paper proposes a co-flotation process for lepidolite and spodumene. The process involves synergistic alkaline corrosion treatment synergistic with magnesium (Mg2+) ion activation. Micro-flotation experiments had proven the high efficiency of the process for recovering the two main lithium-containing minerals in this paper. Alkaline corrosion and Mg2+ synergistic action could effectively promote the adsorption of the collectors on the mineral surface using adsorption capacity detection, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy detections, and zeta potential measurement. At the same time, there were adsorption differences between the two minerals under different treatment conditions. Additionally, the influence of alkali corrosion conditions on the morphology of the two minerals, the flocculation state after synergistic activation, and the mechanism and difference of adsorption morphology were explored through particle size analysis, scanning electron microscope measurements, energy dispersive spectrometer detection, and atomic force microscope detection.

Experimental-numerical study on axial compression performance of square concrete columns confined by new-type BFRP

Abstract Facing the substantial protection requirements for reinforced concrete structures exposed to severe erosion conditions, a novel composite material(Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer, BFRP) based on epoxy silicone resin as a matrix was introduced in this study. This material exhibits notable enhancements in resistance to acid and alkali corrosion, ultraviolet irradiation, as well as high and low temperature extremes. However, it exhibits lower elastic modulus and higher ductility. To evaluate the effectiveness of this new BFRP composite material in reinforced concrete structures, a comprehensive investigation was conducted by model testing, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis. This study analyzed the impact of wrapping configuration, number of wrapping layers, concrete strength, and spacing-to-bandwidth ratio on the mechanical properties of concrete square columns. The findings revealed that the loading curve trends for specimens reinforced with the new BFRP sheet and CFRP sheet (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer, CFRP) were almost similar, although the reinforcement effect was comparatively worse for the former. When both layers were fully applied, the axial compression bearing capacity increased by 28.45% and 64.73%, respectively. The number of wrapping layers and the parameters related to concrete strength significantly influenced the reinforcement effect, whereas the influence of spacing-to-bandwidth parameters was less pronounced. Current specifications demonstrate suitable applicability for CFRP-reinforced specimens but limited applicability for BFRP. The calculation model proposed in this paper accurately predicted the axial compression bearing capacity of a new BFRP-reinforced columns, with an error margin kept within 5%.

Analysis of the causes of waste heat boiler leakage in large-scale chemical plants

A waste heat boiler is a kind of high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchanger in a large chemical plant, and its safe operation is directly related to the production efficiency and safety risk of a chemical plant. In this paper, the leakage failure analysis of a waste heat boiler in an ethylene plant is carried out, and the analysis methods such as field observation, macro observation of fracture, metallographic analysis, micro observation of fracture, phase analysis, and energy spectrum analysis are adopted respectively. The results show that the direct cause of the leakage of the waste heat boiler is the thinning of the wall thickness of the heat exchange tube caused by alkali corrosion, which leads to the overload and fracture of the heat exchange tube. The pits on the outer surface of some heat exchange tubes are caused by mechanical reasons, which are related to this leakage and closure. The corrosion failure of heat exchange tubes is widespread, which has a great influence on safety production and serious consequences. Through this comprehensive analysis, the failure mechanism is clarified, which can provide a reference for the maintenance of similar equipment. At the same time, preventive measures are put forward from the aspects of technology, structure, and detection to reduce the occurrence of similar accidents.

Cell membrane-inspired self-assembly corrosion resistant liquid metal composite coating with photothermal/electrothermal anti-icing/de-icing performance

Liquid metals have been expected to be promising photothermal/electrothermal anti-icing materials for their excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. However, inescapable oxidation and corrosion limit the life and efficiency of liquid metal materials. Inspired by the self-assembly of phospholipid molecules in cell membranes, self-assembly corrosion resistant liquid metal composite coating is designed to protect liquid metal from icing and corrosion hazards. Based on self-assembly of fluor‑silicon molecules mimicking phospholipid molecules and micro-nano surface morphology, the coating has water contact angle of 150.8°and icing delay time of 497 s, which is 4.21 times that of unmodified liquid metal. Under the combined action of 80.5 °C photothermal effect and superhydrophobicity, the de-icing efficiency of the coating is 2.04 times that of the unmodified liquid metal. The photothermal de-icing efficiency remains 99.3 % after two months of acid corrosion and 94.4 % after two months of alkali corrosion. In addition, the thermal network of the coating leads to thermal conductivity of 3.66 W/mK and flame retardancy with UL94 at V0 rating. The coating is made into an electrothermal device with 52.5 °C heating temperature and rapidly de-icing property. The cell membrane-inspired self-assembly liquid metal composite coating provides a secure solution for long-term photothermal/electrothermal anti-icing/de-icing in exposed environment.

Design and properties of self-healing superhydrophobic CNT@SiO2 coating for anti-icing application

Superhydrophobic coatings have aroused great research interest due to their potential applications in aviation, energy, etc. However, the coatings are inclined to lose hydrophobicity when exposed to chemical corrosion, which makes them difficult to play a crucial role in some demanding areas such as road engineering. Self-healing of coatings without external stimulations is challenging but essential for reliable superhydrophobic and anti-ice properties, such an interesting topic has been rarely reported. Here we design a self-healing superhydrophobic CNT@SiO2 coating for anti-ice application. The dodecyl trimethoxysilane modified CNT@SiO2 nanoparticles are mixed with epoxy resin and sprayed to form the robust coating, which exhibits excellent superhydrophobicity (155.1°), self-healing properties and ice resistance. After seven strong alkali corrosion cycles, the self-healing rate recover more than 96% after 48 h. The coating almost doubles the freezing time even at −20 °C. The novel and simple strategy for preparing self-healing and anti-icing multifunctional coating provides a new viewpoint in surface protection.

Robust alkali-resistance of cover glass's UV-shielding and strengthening sol-gel coatings by tailoring the coupling between SiO2 and 2,2′,4,4′-tetrahydroxybenzophenone

Cover glass with UV-shielding function is important to mobile displays such as mobile phones and tablet PCs, as well as flexible photovoltaic cells. UV-shielding over 90 % while visible light transmittance over 90 % is a rather difficult technical challenge for cover glass. In this report, robust alkali-resistance of display cover glass's UV-shielding and strengthening sol-gel coatings have been successfully prepared, using 2,2′,4,4′-tetrahydroxybenzophenone (BP-2), γ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy) propyltrimethoxysilane (KH560) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as raw materials. The coupling between SiO2 and BP-2 was tailored by using a condensation reflux method for the mixture of BP-2 and KH560. Compared to blank glass (0.7 mm thickness), UV-shielding (UV-A and UV-B) of the coated glass (coated on one side, 3 μm thickness of coating) increases significantly from 13.43 % to 99.93 %, while the visible light transmittance (380–780 nm) changes only slightly from 91.87 % to 90.16 %. Moreover, the bending strength of the coated glass improves by 52 MPa, and the drop ball impact resistance increases by 16 %. After alkali corrosion, glass's UV-shielding with the BP-2/SiO2 coupling or uncoupling coatings is 90.03 % or 80.03 %, respectively. The BP-2/SiO2 coupling coatings significantly improve alkaline corrosion resistance. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirms that BP-2 is chemically grafted into the SiO2 grid of the coating, which contributes to the robust alkali-resistance. Demonstrated by the finite element simulation, the strengthening effect originates from the repair of cracks on the surface of glass by the coating. The coating presents its application possibility on cover glass.

Preparation and application of microfiltration porous coal gangue–loess‐based ceramic membrane

AbstractThe ceramic membrane is widely used in the field of domestic sewage treatment due to its high flexural strength, acid and alkali corrosion resistance, easy cleaning, and other advantages. This article uses coal gangue and loess as the main raw material (coal gangue:loess = 8:2), calcium carbonate as the pore‐forming agent, and carboxymethyl cellulose as the binder. The ceramic membrane was prepared by extrusion molding method and solid particle sintering method. The effects of pore‐forming agent content and sintering temperature on the physical and chemical properties of the ceramic membrane, such as flexural strength, microstructure, pure water flux, and acid‐base corrosion rate, were investigated. The results show that when the sintering temperature is 1000°C and the pore‐forming agent content is 10wt%, the pure water flux exceeds 1434L/h m2 MPa, the flexural strength exceeds 25.4 MPa, the porosity exceeds 46.9%, and the acid‐alkali corrosion rate of the ceramic membrane below 1.6%/0.15%. At this time, the treatment efficiency of domestic sewage is excellent, the removal rate of COD, suspended solids and ammonia nitrogen exceeds 27.66%, 99.9%, and 26.77%, respectively. This work has trend‐setting significance for the fabrication and application of low‐cost ceramic membranes.

The Impact of Plasticizers on the Nature of the Alkali-Silicate Corrosion in Cement Composites

This research work attempts to reveal the mechanism of alkali corrosion in cement composites in the presence of plasticizers based on polycarboxylates (PCE), naphtha-lene-formaldehydes (SPNF), and lignosulfonates by maintaining a high pH of the liquid phase and additionally containing monovalent alkali earth metals in cement stone, as well as stopping this process by introducing an active mineral additive. ASR is studied by changing the relative strain with time according to ASTM C-1260. Deformation changes were confirmed by SEM and RFA studies of hydration products and ASR in the microstructure. Separate use of PCE plasticizers in the cement composition increases deformation by 50% to the 56th day; the use of SPNF increases deformation by 10% compared with the additive-free composition. The use of PLS reduces the relative deformation by 25%. The introduction of silica fume into cementitious composites containing plasticizers actually stops ASR only for a short time. A reduction in deformation during MC use together with plasticizer based on naphthalene sulfonate and polycarboxylate occurs only when the dosage of MS is increased to 20–30%; at a lower dosage, the effect is negative, which also affects the phase composition of the composites. The introduction of MC increases the value of the relative deformation compared with plasticizer compositions based only on PLS. SEM studies have detected microcracks and dense fine-crystalline silicate gel, which cause deformation changes in cement composite samples. Research has shown that concrete modified with SPNF and PCE at the maximum dosage of MC (30%) has minimal deformation rates and can be used to select optimal concrete compositions. The results of this study could help to minimize risks, prevent unacceptable expansion, and ensure the high quality of concrete and concrete products during their use as part of various nature-modifying additives.

Innovative pathways to high-performance glass ceramics: Harnessing nature's treasures with chromium and zirconium nucleation catalysts

This study explores the novel production of high-performance glass ceramics (GCs) by harnessing readily available and cost-effective raw materials schist, dolomite, and magnesite for the first time. The nominal composition for the base glass, G(30), was designed based on the eutectic composition of the diopside-anorthite ratio with 30% enstatite content within the quaternary CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 system. To enhance nucleation, chromium (Cr2O3) and zirconium (ZrO2) oxide were separately introduced into the base glass batch in two ratios (0.5% and 1%), producing four additional batches-Cr(0.5), Cr(1), Zr(0.5), and Zr(1), orderly. All these batches were melted at temperatures ranging from 1450 °C to 1550 °C then cast into glass discs and rods. Double-stage heat treatment schedule, 750 °C /2 h followed by 950 °C and 1050 °C/1 h separately, was employed to induce the transformation of prepared glass into GCs. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques were applied to orderly investigate the developed crystalline phases and the prevailing micro-structures of the prepared GCs. The glass ceramic with the highest Cr2O3 ratio, Cy(1) which was treated at 1050 °C/1 h, displayed the most adequate microstructure and minimal pore formation in comparison with other GCs. As well, the favorable physicochemical properties, Vickers microhardness (6.43 GPa), low thermal expansion coefficient (0.171 ×10 −6 °C−1) at 29–100 °C, and the exceptional resistance for acid and alkali corrosion (95%), nominate such GS sample, Cy(1), for several architectural applications.

Preparation and properties of highly refractive SmO3/2-TiO2-HfO2 glasses by aerodynamic levitation

The SmO3/2-TiO2-HfO2 (STH) glasses system was successfully prepared using the aerodynamic levitation technique. XRD analysis confirms that the obtained samples are amorphous. Raman spectra demonstrate that the maximum phonon energy is 1060 cm−1. DSC measurements reveal that the addition of HfO2, with its high melting point, increases both Tx and Tg. The maximum ΔT reaches 75.7 °C, and the density of the glass increases from 5.0548 to 5.1097 g/cm3. When the HfO2 content is kept constant, a decrease in Sm2O3 content and an increase in TiO2 content lead to a decrease in Tg and Tx, with a corresponding increase in density. The glass exhibits a maximum Vickers hardness of 8.102 GPa, which can be attributed to the high dissociation energy of Sm2O3, TiO2, and HfO2. Furthermore, both ST and STH glasses show excellent resistance to acid and alkali corrosion. Additionally, the refractive index contribution of each oxide follows the order: TiO2 > HfO2 > Sm2O3. The refractive index increases with increasing TiO2 and HfO2 content. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the ratio of each oxide to optimize the values of Vm, OPD, and αO2− for a positive effect on the refractive index. The transmittance of STH glass is approximately 70 %, and the internal transmittance is 90 %. This indicates good transmittance even without considering reflection. The glass has a maximum refractive index of 2.343 and an Abbe number υd in the range of 17.06–18.02, meeting the dispersion requirements of commercial optical glasses. These results suggest that STH glass is a highly refractive optical glass with promising potential for various applications.