Low Glass Transition Temperature Research Articles

Self-Crosslinkable Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives from Silicone-(Meth)acrylate Telomer Syrups.

In this study, a novel and environmentally friendly method for the preparation of photoreactive pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) was demonstrated. Adhesive binders based on n-butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, and 4-acryloyloxy benzophenone were prepared with a UV-induced telomerization process in the presence of triethylsilane (TES) as a telogen and acylphosphine oxide (APO) as a radical photoinitiator. The influence of TES (0-10 wt. parts) and APO (0.05-0.1 wt. parts/100 wt. parts of monomer mixtures) concentrations on the UV telomerization process kinetics was investigated using a photodifferential scanning calorimetry method and selected physicochemical features of the obtained silicone-(met)acrylate telomeric syrups (K-value, solid content, glass-transition temperature, and dynamic viscosity), as well as properties of the obtained PSAs (Tg, adhesion, tack, and cohesion), were studied. An increase in TES content caused a significant decrease in the Tg values (approx. 10 °C) and K-value (up to approximately 25 a.u.) of the dry telomers, as well as the dynamic viscosity of the telomeric syrups. PSAs were obtained through UV irradiation of thin polymer films consisting only of silicone-(meth)acrylate telomer solutions (without the use of additional chemical modifiers or of a protective gas atmosphere and protective layers). PSAs were characterized by very good adhesion (12.4 N/25 mm), cohesion at 20 °C (>72 h) and 70 °C (>72 h), and low glass-transition temperature (-25 °C).

Lignin-based wood adhesives: A comparison between the influence of soda and Kraft lignin

Due to the various chemical properties of lignins, one has different effects on the resins prepared with them. The aim of this research was to compare the influence of Soda and Kraft lignins on the physical and mechanical properties of the particleboards bonded with lignin-urea-formaldehyde (LUF) and lignin-phenol-formaldehyde (LPF) resins. According to the FTIR spectra and DSC analysis of lignin, Soda lignin exhibited higher phenolic hydroxyl groups and lower glass transition temperature (Tg) value compared to Kraft lignin. Also DSC analysis results indicated that the resins based on Soda lignin need a lower temperature for curing than those based on Kraft lignin. Based on physicochemical test results, the resins containing Soda lignin exhibit a faster gel time and higher viscosity compared to those prepared with Kraft lignin in the both types of resins. Generally physical and mechanical properties results indicated that the panels made from LPF resin have higher mechanical strength and dimensional stability compared to those made from LUF resins at constant level of lignin. The particleboards bonded with Soda-based resin yielded lower water absorption and formaldehyde emission as well as higher flexural strength and internal bonding strength when compared to those bonded with the Kraft-based resin. The mechanical properties of the particleboards bonded with LPG resins could be significantly improved by increasing percentages of lignin while it was decreased for LUF resin.

A comparative study of hydroxyethylcellulose‐based solid polymer electrolytes for solid state Zn batteries

AbstractRechargeable zinc metal batteries are greener and safer alternative to lithium batteries, but they suffer from poor reversibility due to growth of zinc dendrites and water splitting reactions of aqueous electrolytes. One strategy to overcome these drawbacks is replacing aqueous electrolyte with solid polymer electrolyte (SPE). In this work, we examine the possibility of fabricating solid electrolyte from a bio‐based polymer, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), with the aim to further increase the sustainability of zinc batteries. Various types of zinc salts, drying procedures and the salt concentrations are investigated for their impact on the ionic conductivity, structure, and phase behavior of as‐prepared polymer electrolytes. It is found that HEC has a good film‐forming ability compared with commonly used poly(ethylene oxide) but its low salt‐dissociation capability leads to an ionic conductivity of 10−6 S cm−1 even at the elevated temperature of 110°C, hindering the possibility of solely utilizing HEC as matrix of solid electrolyte. Our results suggest that introducing a new polymer with higher salt‐dissociation capability or lower glass transition temperature into the HEC matrix can be a reliable way to build solid polymer electrolytes with sufficient ionic conductivity and good mechanical property for future zinc batteries.

Fully bio-based hydroxy ester vitrimer synthesized by crosslinking epoxidized soybean oil with doubly esterified starch

Catalyst-free fully bio-based hydroxyester (BHE) vitrimers were synthesized by crosslinking and plasticizing epoxidized soybean oil with synthesized acetylated starch succinate monoesters to investigate the effects of different starch structures on the properties of the BHE vitrimers. The BHE vitrimers possessed a lower glass transition temperature as well as better solvent resistance and reprocessing performance compared to traditional starch-based materials. Owing to dynamically covalent bonds, the migration and exudation of plasticizers were avoided. A maximum strain of 230 % was achieved to prevent the retrogradation and brittleness of starch-based materials. Furthermore, the mechanical properties remained unchanged after three reprocessing cycles. Consequently, the obtained BHE vitrimers are eco-friendly and sustainable.

Segmental Motion Adjustment of the Polycarbonate Electrolyte for Lithium-Metal Batteries.

Carbonyl oxygen atoms are the primary active sites to solvate Li salts that provide a migration site for Li ions conducting in a polycarbonate-based polymer electrolyte. We here exploit the conductivity of the polycarbonate electrolyte by tuning the segmental motion of the structural unit with carbonyl oxygen atoms, while its correlation to the mechanical and electrochemical stability of the electrolyte is also discussed. Two linear alkenyl carbonate monomers are designed by molecular engineering to combine methyl acrylate (MA) and the commonly used ethylene carbonate (EC), w/o dimethyl carbonate (DMC) in the structure. The integration of the DMC structural unit in the side chain of the in situ constructed polymer (p-MDE) releases the free motion of the terminal EC units, which leads to a lower glass-transition temperature and higher ionic conductivity. While pure polycarbonates are normally fragile with high Young's modulus, such a prolonged side chain also manipulates the flexibility of the polymer to provide a mechanical stable interface for Li-metal anode. Stable long-term cycling performance is achieved at room temperature for both LiFePO4 and LiCoO2 electrodes based on the p-MDE electrolyte incorporated with a solid plasticizer.

Polymer positive temperature coefficient composites with room-temperature Curie point and superior flexibility for self-regulating heating devices

Polymer PTC (positive temperature coefficient) materials with low switching temperature point are important for many electronic devices since the electronic devices usually work under room temperature range (0–40 °C). The desired polymer PTC materials for the application in thermal control of flexible electronics should also include room-temperature switching temperature, low room-temperature resistivity, good mechanical flexibility and adaptive thermal control performances. This work designed two new types of PTC materials with room-temperature switching temperature and excellent mechanical properties. They are prepared by mixing the semi-crystalline polymer EVA with low melting temperature (Tm) with the amorphous polymer (PS or PVAc) with low glass transition temperature (Tg), while the low-cost graphite is selected as conductive filler. The PTC materials were obtained with low switching temperature point (<30 °C) and low room temperature resistivity (102 Ω m), high PTC repeatability and flexibility, short heating response time and good adaptive thermal control performances.

Improving adhesion and antiaging properties of soybean oils-based pressure sensitive adhesives by phenolic acids grafting

Three representative natural phenolic acids (ferulic acid: 1 hydroxyl group, caffeic acid: 2 hydroxyl groups, and gallic acid : 3 hydroxyl groups) were selected to investigate the effects of phenolic acids grafting on adhesion and antiaging properties of soybean oils-based pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs). The grafting of gallic acid and ferulic acid led soybean oils-based PSAs to occur cohesive failures due to their large sterohindrance, while the grafting of caffeic acid did not. The optimal conditions for caffeic acid-grafted soybean oils-based PSA preparation were 0.6% caffeic acid, 7% phosphoric acid, reaction temperature of 50 °C and reaction time of 6 min. Under the optimal conditions, caffeic acid-grafted soybean oils-based PSA had the shear adhesion of more than 99 h, 180˚ peel strength of 2.30 N/cm, and loop tack of 0.97 N, which are approximately 5 and 3 times the control (soybean oils-based PSA without caffeic acid grafting: 180˚ peel strength of 0.46 N/cm and loop tack of 0.35 N), respectively. The grafting of caffeic acid significantly slowed down the aging rate of soybean oils-based PSAs as the peel strength residue reduced from 871.29% to 157.06% (82% decrease). Characteristic results showed that caffeic acid-grafted soybean oils-based PSA had better optical transparency (light transmittance: >100% vs. >95%), higher thermal stability (rapid decomposition temperature: 365 vs. 350 °C; maximum decomposition temperature: > 850 vs. 481 °C) and lower glass transition temperature (−12.70 vs. −5.40 °C) than the control. • Phenolic acids were grafted onto epoxidized soybean oils for PSA preparation. • Gallic or ferulic acid grafting led soybean oils-based PSA to occur cohesive failure. • Caffeic acid grafting enhanced the 180˚ peel strength and loop tack by 5 and 3 times. • Caffeic acid grafting delayed PSA aging with peel strength residue reduced by 82%. • Resulting PSA had higher thermal stability and lower glass transition temperature.

Polymeric ionic liquids and ionic liquids of ionen type

A set of new experimental data was obtained regarding the influence of the structure of dimer ionene ionic liquids on their physical and chemical properties, which is the basis of the methodology for the synthesis of polymer ionene ionic liquids. It was established that the introduction of allyl and -hydroxyethyl groups into the quaternary nitrogen atom, the presence of a dibenzyl fragment at the cationic center and alkylaromatic radicals permit obtaining polymeric ionic liquids of the ionene type with a high level of ionic conductivity at a low glass transition temperature. Newly synthesized polymeric ionic liquids and ionene ionic liquids based on 1,2-epoxy-4,7-dioxononen-8 and tetrahydro-1,4-oxazine derivatives with an ionic conductivity of ~10–1–10–4 S cm–1 with glass transition temperature range of –1400С to –160С exhibited five to six orders of magnitude higher ionic conductivity as compared with known analogues. Recommendations for solving the problem of developing polymeric ionic liquids and ionene ionic liquids exhibiting high ionic conductivity while maintaining their liquid state in a wide temperature range have been developed.

Synthesis of a polyester plasticizer from rubber seed oil for polyvinyl chloride

Abstract A polyester plasticizer (RSOP) for polyvinyl chloride based on rubber seed oil (RSO) was synthesized. Firstly, RSO monoglyceride were synthesized by the transesterification of RSO with glycerol at 220–240 °C. Secondly, RSOP was synthesized from RSO monoglyceride and adipic acid by esterification. The polyester plasticizer was characterized by GPC, FT-IR, 1H NMR and DSC. Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials with RSOP and dioctyl phthalate (DOP) in varying ratios were prepared via thermal melting process, RSOP was used as a second plasticizer. The properties of the plasticized PVC materials were characterized by a universal testing machine, TGA, DMA and solvent extraction resistance. The obtained PVC materials showed improved thermal stability and lower glass transition temperature than PVC. Solvent extraction resistance and plasticization of plasticized PVC were also improved. This study provides a new strategy for preparing bio-based polyester plasticizer from RSO.

Two routes for N-rich solid polymer electrolyte for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries

Very few works have been realized on Li-ion all-solid-state batteries using solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) based on nitrogen-rich polymers (NRP)s, especially poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and poly(oxazoline) (POx). Synergizing the advantages of the two polymers, two complementary routes with blends of polymers (POx:BPEI) and the synthesis of copolymers POx-co-PEI by partial hydrolysis of POx were highlighted in this work. Free-standing membranes with low glass transition temperature exhibited valuable compromise between mechanical properties, thermal stability and effective Li+ (LiTFSI) transport. Comparable ionic conductivity to the PEO (structural counterpart of PEI) (2,7.10−5 S cm−1 at 60 °C) was reached and explained by complexation and interactions between lithium salt and several electro-donor sites of NRPs during a FTIR spectroscopy investigation.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Poly(3-hydroxypropyl Ethylene-imine) and Its Blends with Chitosan Forming Novel Elastic Films for Delivery of Haloperidol.

This study aimed to develop novel elastic films based on chitosan and poly(3-hydroxypropyl ethyleneimine) or P3HPEI for the rapid delivery of haloperidol. P3HPEI was synthesized using a nucleophilic substitution reaction of linear polyethyleneimine (L-PEI) with 3-bromo-1-propanol. 1H-NMR and FTIR spectroscopies confirmed the successful conversion of L-PEI to P3HPEI, and the physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity of P3HPEI were investigated. P3HPEI had good solubility in water and was significantly less toxic than the parent L-PEI. It had a low glass transition temperature (Tg = -38.6 °C). Consequently, this new polymer was blended with chitosan to improve mechanical properties, and these materials were used for the rapid delivery of haloperidol. Films were prepared by casting from aqueous solutions and then evaporating the solvent. The miscibility of polymers, mechanical properties of blend films, and drug release profiles from these formulations were investigated. The blends of chitosan and P3HPEI were miscible in the solid state and the inclusion of P3HPEI improved the mechanical properties of the films, producing more elastic materials. A 35:65 (%w/w) blend of chitosan-P3HPEI provided the optimum glass transition temperature for transmucosal drug delivery and so was selected for further investigation with haloperidol, which was chosen as a model hydrophobic drug. Microscopic and X-ray diffractogram (XRD) data indicated that the solubility of the drug in the films was ~1.5%. The inclusion of the hydrophilic polymer P3HPEI allowed rapid drug release within ~30 min, after which films disintegrated, demonstrating that the formulations are suitable for application to mucosal surfaces, such as in buccal drug delivery. Higher release with increasing drug loading allows flexible dosing. Blending P3HPEI with chitosan thus allows the selection of desirable physicochemical and mechanical properties of the films for delivery of haloperidol as a poorly water-soluble drug.

Synthesis and Properties of Polyol Copolymer with Alternating Methacrylate-Vinyl Ether Backbone.

Radical polymerization of a tailored diphenylsilane-bridged bi-functional monomer consisting of methacrylate and vinyl ether moieties is conducted in diluted monomer concentration, in which both two moieties are consumed at almost the same rate despite their huge difference in monomer reactivity ratio. The vinyl ether content in the backbone is quantified as 45% by 1 H NMR after removal of the silane bridge. Since vinyl ether alone cannot be polymerized in such radical polymerization, it should be incorporated in an alternating fashion with methacrylate into the copolymer main chain. The cleavage of silane bridge also yields a series of polyol materials composed of ethylene glycol monovinyl ether (EGVE) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and the EGVE content in the backbone can be regulated from 45% to 18% by increasing the bi-functional monomer concentration. Interestingly, although containing more than 50% HEMA units, the alternating copolymer exhibits new properties totally different from poly(HEMA), but more similar to poly(EGVE), e.g., good water solubility and a markedly low glass transition temperature (Tg ) of -31°C, which is attributed to the major HEMA-EGVE repeating unit that replaced HEMA-HEMA consecutive segments so that the properties of poly(HEMA) such as 95°CTg are completely altered.

The role of acetone-fractionated Kraft lignin molecular structure on surface adhesion to formaldehyde-based resins

One of the key strategies for valorizing kraft lignin (KL) into value-added products such as bio-based adhesives is to perform solvent fractionation of KL to produce lignin with improved homogeneity. Understanding the structure and properties of fractionated KL will aid in the selection of the best samples for certain applications. In this study, acetone-fractionated KL from softwood and hardwood was characterized to understand its chemical structure, elemental composition, molecular weight, and thermal properties. The results revealed that acetone-insoluble KL (AIKL) fractions from softwood and hardwood have greater molecular weight, polydispersity, glass temperature, carbohydrate content, aliphatic hydroxyl groups, and a variety of native wood lignin side chains. In contrast, acetone-soluble KL (ASKL) fractions have a significantly lower molecular weight and polydispersity, a lower glass-transition temperature, a more condensed structure, more aromatic hydroxyl groups, and fewer native wood lignin side chains. In addition, the ASKL samples demonstrated stronger adhesive force and work of adhesion toward phenol–formaldehyde (PF) and urea–formaldehyde (UF) resins than the AIKL samples, regardless of the lignin source. These findings suggest that ASKL has great potential as a substitute for phenol in PF resins and as a green additive to reinforce UF resins.

Photo-induced periodical swing deformation of multiple hydrogen bonds crosslinked liquid crystal elastomer

Photo-responsive liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) can transform the changes in the microstructure and order of liquid crystals into macroscopic deformation, and have attracted wide interests in the fields of soft robotics, biomaterials, nanotechnology, etc. In this article, we purposed a strategy to prepare LCEs with photo-induced periodical swing deformation by using the high glass transition temperature and photo-thermal effect. To implement this strategy, we designed and synthesized azobenzene LCEs with different glass transition temperature, and their deformation behavior was studied in detail. The results showed that the uniaxially oriented azobenzene LCE fiber with low glass transition temperature exhibited reversible photo-induced deformation behavior under alternating irradiation of 365 nm and 470 nm light. However, the uniaxially oriented azobenzene LCE fiber with high glass transition temperature showed photo-induced periodical swing deformation. When irradiated with 365 nm UV light, LCE fiber bent to light. Then the fiber bent away from the light when irradiated with 470 nm light. When the 470 nm light source was removed, the fiber return to bent state. Therefore, the periodical swing deformation of LCE fiber was realized by periodically turning on and off 470 nm light. We also confirmed that this unique photo-induced periodical swing deformation is attributed to the high glass transition temperature and photo-thermal effect of azobenzene LCEs.

Polymeric aluminum porphyrin: Controllable synthesis of ultra-low molecular weight CO2-based polyols

Carbon dioxide-based polyols with ultra-low molecular weight (ULMW, Mn < 1000 g/mol) are emergent polyurethane precursors with economic and environmental benefits. However, the lack of effective proton-tolerant catalytic systems limits the development of this field. In this work, the polymeric aluminum porphyrin catalyst (PAPC) system was applied to the copolymerization of CO2 and propylene oxide, where sebacic acid, bisphenol A, poly(ethylene glycol), and water were used as chain transfer agents to achieve the controlled synthesis of CO2-polyols. The molecular weight of the resulting CO2-polyols could be facilely regulated in the range of 400–930 g/mol at low catalyst loadings, fully demonstrating its catalytic advantages of high activity, high product selectivity, and excellent proton tolerance of PAPC. Meanwhile, the catalytic efficiency of PAPC could reach up to 2.1–5.2 kg/g under organic CTA conditions, even reaching 1.9 kg/g using water as the CTA. The cPC content could be controlled within 1.0 wt% under the optimized conditions, indicating the excellent controllability of the PAPC system. ULMW CO2-polyols combines the advantages of low viscosity (∼3000 mPa s at 25 °C), low glass transition temperature (∼−73 °C), and high carbonate unit content (∼40%), which is important for the development of high-performance polyurethanes.

Novel MXene sensors based on fast healing vitrimers

Soft matter containing Ti3C2Tx MXenes exhibits promising potential in electromechanical sensor development. Current systems suffer from a decrease in sensibility up to complete breakdown due to small structural defects that will be generated during their longtime practical service. Various non-covalent hydrogel systems, based on hydrogen bonding and ionic coupling, have been employed to improve their durability related to their repairability. However, Ti3C2Tx MXenes are not stable in those networks, since they will be irreversibly oxidized in high humidity environment during practical application. Here, we report the use of a novel dynamic covalent bond based network – a MXene acrylate vitrimer network (MAVIN) with a low glass transition temperature, which can not only be repaired fast with high efficiency but also protects the MXenes in sensor applications from oxidation under working conditions. In addition, owing to the strong microwave absorptivity of Ti3C2Tx and of the flexible dynamic covalent bond network, a damaged MAVIN sensor can be repaired by microwave radiation with a high healing efficiency of 92.4% within 1 minute, which is as good as the best healing efficiency reported in literature so far but 30 times faster. With stability at a voltage of 3 V and fast healing demonstrated, MAVIN promises potential usage in reliable and sustainable strain sensors.

Preparation and relationship between structure and properties of PTMEG based polyurethane acrylate UV cured films

A series of polyurethane acrylate UV curing films (FPUA) were designed and prepared from three different hard segment structure, hard segment content and NCO/OH molar ratio via prepolymer process from polytetramethylene ether glycol(PTMEG), diisocyanate and polycaprolactone modified acrylate (FM1D). And the influence of structural parameters on the cured films’ mechanical properties was studied; Besides, its thermal properties was characterized by Dynamic Thermomechanical Analysis (DMA) and Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA). Among these three hard segment structures, hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) -based cured films have the best mechanical properties. The modulus and tensile strength of the cured films increases along with the increase of hard segment content, whereas the elongation at break of the cured films decreases since the rising of the NCO/OH molar ratio. Indeed, with hard segment content at 48.6% and NCO/OH molar ratio at 1.06, the UV cured films (exhibits the best performance)with tensile strength up to 50.5 MPa, and break elongation upto238%. DMA and TGA data showed that the low-temperature glass transition temperature of UV-cured films is around −50 °C, and the fastest thermal degradation temperature is 355 °C, showing good resistance to high and low temperatures.

Robust compound elastomers of integrated polymer cathode and electrolyte for high-performance all-solid-state lithium battery

A novel type of all-solid-state lithium-organic batteries based on redox active multicomponent polyethers comprising stable nitroxide radicals, ethylene oxide groups and cross-linkable moieties has been demonstrated. The radical copolymer with a low glass transition temperature exhibits enhanced mixed conductivities of electron and ion. Furthermore, the in-situ cross-linking of the radical copolymer cathode and a comb-branched polyether electrolyte results in a flexible yet strong compound elastomer, which demonstrates a low interfacial resistance and fast ion transport. The fabricated lithium cell shows a high cycling stability with a low polarization and durable rate capability at room temperature, benefiting from the fast redox reactions in the organic cathode and the integrated structure. This work is expected to advance the development of flexible solid batteries with high electrochemical performance.

Study on the Effect of Ultraviolet Absorber UV-531 on the Performance of SBS-Modified Asphalt.

Asphalt pavements at high altitudes are susceptible to aging and disease under prolonged action of UV light. To improve their anti-ultraviolet aging performance, UV-531/SBS-modified asphalts with UV-531 dopings of 0.4%, 0.7%, and 1.0% were prepared by the high-speed shear method, and the effect of UV-531 on the conventional performance of SBS-modified asphalt before aging was studied by needle penetration, softening point and 5 °C ductility tests. The high- and low-temperature rheological properties of UV-531/SBS-modified asphalt before and after aging were also analyzed by high temperature dynamic shear rheology test and low-temperature glass transition temperature test. Finally, the effect of UV-531 on the anti-aging performance of SBS-modified asphalt was evaluated by three methods, including rutting factor ratio, viscosity aging index, and infrared spectroscopy. The results show that with the increase of UV-531 doping, the needle penetration and 5 °C ductility show an increasing trend, but the effect on the softening point is small. The high temperature stability of SBS-modified asphalt is not much affected by the addition of UV-531, and the low-temperature stability is improved, and when 0.7% UV absorber is added, SBS-modified asphalt shows better low-temperature performance. The results of all three evaluation methods show that the addition of UV-531 significantly improved the anti-UV aging performance of SBS-modified asphalt, with the amount of 0.7% providing the asphalt with the best anti-UV aging performance. The results of the study can provide an important reference for improving the anti-ultraviolet aging performance of SBS-modified asphalt.

Effect of network connectivity on behavior of synthetic Broborg hillfort glasses

AbstractThere is wide industrial interest in developing robust models of long‐term (&gt;100 years) glass durability. Archeological glass analogs, glasses of similar composition, and alteration conditions to those being tested for durability can be used to evaluate and inform such models. Two such analog glasses from a 1500‐year‐old vitrified hillfort near Uppsala, Sweden have previously been identified as potential analogs for low concentration Fe‐bearing aluminosilicate nuclear waste glasses. However, open questions remain regarding the melting environment from which these historic glasses were formed and the effect of these conditions on their chemical durability. A key factor to answering the previous melting and durability questions is the redox state of Fe in the starting and final materials. Past work has shown that the melting conditions of a glass‐forming melt may influence the redox ratio value (Fe+3/∑Fe), a measure of a glass's redox state, and both melting conditions and the redox ratio may influence the glass alteration behavior. Synthetic analogs of the hillfort glasses have been produced using either fully oxidized or reduced Fe precursors to address this question.In this study, the melting behavior, glass transition temperature, oxidation state, network structure, and chemical durability of these synthesized glass analogs is presented. Resulting data suggests that the degree of network connectivity as impacted by the oxidation state of iron impacted the behavior of the glass‐forming melt but in this case does not affect the chemical durability of the final glass. Glasses with a lower degree of melt connectivity were found to have a lower viscosity, resulting in a lower glass transition temperature and softening temperature, as well as in a lower temperature of foam onset and temperature of foam maximum. This lower degree of network connectivity most likely played a more significant role in accelerating the conversion of batch chemicals into glass than the presence of water vapor in the furnace's atmosphere. Future work will focus on using the results from this work with outcomes from other aspects of this project to evaluate long‐term glass alteration models.