Modification Of Glass Research Articles

Structural and optical modifications in sodium zinc-based phosphate glass upon substitution of Na2O with Fe2O3

Structural and optical modifications in sodium zinc-based phosphate glass upon substitution of Na2O with Fe2O3

A New Approach Toward Extreme Thermal Stability of Femtosecond Laser Induced Modifications in Glasses

AbstractImprinting thermally stable transformations by femtosecond laser in glass would benefit the development of optical sensors dedicated to harsh environments including combustors, nuclear reactors, aircraft engines, or metal/ceramic manufacturing processes. While glass brings undeniable assets over refractory crystalline materials like shaping ability (e.g., optical fiber form), one key challenge is to prevent the erasure of induced transformations at high temperatures and for long periods. In this article, the role of glass composition and viscosity to achieve modifications stable at high temperatures is first reviewed, providing a comprehensive roadmap for engineers in optics and photonics. While silica appears to be the candidate of choice, it is revealed that binary aluminosilicates can compete and sometimes surpass it. The hypothesis is formulated and investigated that a hybrid glass‐crystalline nano‐structuring can imprint ultra‐stable modifications inside glass. Laser‐induced modifications in Al2O3‐SiO2 and ZrO2‐Al2O3‐SiO2 glasses reveal a partial crystallization, shaped into a lamellar structure and orientable with laser light polarization. These birefringent structures can withstand temperatures up to 1300 °C for 30 minutes. Even after erasure, a positive index contrast persists, up to 1650 °C for binary 60Al2O3‐40SiO2 (mol%). This is the first observation of this kind of persisting index contrast, paving the way to ultra‐stable glass‐based optical waveguiding.

A Review of the Development of Titanium-Based and Magnesium-Based Metallic Glasses in the Field of Biomedical Materials.

This article reviews the research and development focus of metallic glasses in the field of biomedical applications. Metallic glasses exhibit a short-range ordered and long-range disordered glassy structure at the microscopic level, devoid of structural defects such as dislocations and grain boundaries. Therefore, they possess advantages such as high strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance, combining characteristics of both metals and glasses. This novel alloy system has found applications in the field of biomedical materials due to its excellent comprehensive performance. This review discusses the applications of Ti-based bulk metallic glasses in load-bearing implants such as bone plates and screws for long-term implantation. On the other hand, Mg-based metallic glasses, owing to their degradability, are primarily used in degradable bone nails, plates, and vascular stents. However, metallic glasses as biomaterials still face certain challenges. The Young's modulus value of Ti-based metallic glasses is higher than that of human bones, leading to stress-shielding effects. Meanwhile, Mg-based metallic glasses degrade too quickly, resulting in the premature loss of mechanical properties and the formation of numerous bubbles, which hinder tissue healing. To address these issues, we propose the following development directions: (1) Introducing porous structures into titanium-based metallic glasses is an important research direction for reducing Young's modulus; (2) To enhance the bioactivity of implant material surfaces, the surface modification of titanium-based metallic glasses is essential. (3) Developing antibacterial coatings and incorporating antibacterial metal elements into the alloys is essential to maintain the long-term effective antibacterial properties of metallic biomaterials. (4) Corrosion resistance must be further improved through the preparation of composite materials, while ensuring biocompatibility and safety, to achieve controllable degradation rates and degradation modes.

Targeted Microforming of Borosilicate Glass Induced by a Laser‐Ablation‐Free Process Using Femtosecond Pulses

AbstractThe use of ultrashort pulse lasers opens up a wide range of possibilities for processing dielectric materials. The present study focuses on the investigation of the ablation‐free microscopic surface modification of borosilicate glass using femtosecond laser radiation (350 fs at 515 nm wavelength) in a scanning machining process. Furthermore, its aim is to analyze the relationship between the laser process parameters and the microscopic changes in the surface topography observed. The characteristic of the generated surface structure, which takes place below the ablation threshold, shows both elevations and depressions within the irradiated field (2 × 2 mm2). The realized structures reach a profile height Peak‐to‐Valley (PV) of up to 10 µm. The amount of surface deformation depends on the selected parameters such as laser fluence, number of passes, and scanning strategy. The microdeformation is detected on both the top and bottom sides of the processed glass material with a thickness ≤1 mm. The influence of the temporal and spatial energy distribution on the material modification is discussed, demonstrating the possibilities of microforming of silicate glasses using ultrashort pulsed laser radiation.

Realization of Joints of Aluminosilicate Glass and 6061 Aluminum Alloy via Picosecond Laser Welding without Optical Contact.

To achieve laser direct welding of glass and metal without optical contact is hard, owing to the large difference in thermal expansion and thermal conductivity between glass and metal and an insignificant melting area. In this study, the high-power picosecond pulsed laser was selected to successfully weld the aluminosilicate glass/6061 aluminum alloy with a gap of 35 ± 5 μm between glass and metal. The results show that the molten glass and metal diffuse and mix at the interface. No defects such as microcracks or holes are observed in the diffusion mixing zone. Due to the relatively large gap, the glass collapsed after melting and caulking, resulting in an approximately arc-shaped microcrack between modified glass and unmodified glass or weakly modified glass. The shape of the glass modification zone and thermal accumulation are influenced by the single-pulse energy and linear energy density of the picosecond laser during welding, resulting in variations in the number and size of defects and the shape of the glass modification zone. By reasonably tuning the two factors, the shear strength of the joint reaches 15.98 MPa. The diffusion and mixing at the interface and the mechanical interlocking effect of the glass modification zone are the main reasons for achieving a high shear strength of the joint. This study will provide reference and new ideas for the laser transmission welding of glass and metal in the non-optical contact conditions.

An investigation of the structural and optical properties of modified barium magnesium fluoroborate glasses with hafnium oxide (HfO2)

AbstractGlasses of nominal composition xHfO2–(35-x)B2O3–15MgF2–35BaO, where x ranged from 0 to 0.2 mol% were fabricated using a melt-quenching technique. Structural characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, were employed to elucidate the glass network structure. The XRD patterns confirmed the amorphous nature of the studied glasses, while the FTIR and Raman spectra revealed that the incorporation of HfO2 may led to a transformation of trigonal BO3 units to tetrahedral BO4 units in the borate glass network. Deconvolution analysis of the FTIR and Raman bands provided quantitative insights into the extent of this structural rearrangement as a function of HfO2 content. UV–Vis absorption studies demonstrated that the optical bandgap of the glasses was widened with increasing HfO2 additions. This blue shift in the absorption edge was attributed to the increased formation of bridging oxygen bonds and reduced non-bridging oxygen content in the glass network. The results indicate that the studied glasses exhibit excellent compositional tunability through the incorporation of HfO2. The structural modifications and concomitant optical property enhancements suggest the potential of this glass system for various integrated photonic applications where low phonon energy and tailored transparency are highly desirable. The present work introduces a comprehensive investigation of the structural and optical property modifications in barium magnesium fluoroborate glasses induced by the addition of hafnium oxide (HfO2).

First-order type A waveguide Bragg gratings with under-diffraction-limited periodicities and sub-millimeter length for NIR applications

Since its demonstration in 2017, laser-induced Type A modifications in silver-containing glasses have been exploited for fabricating waveguides, couplers, volume Bragg Gratings and, more recently, waveguides Bragg Gratings. Laser-induced silver-supported structures exhibit sub-diffraction characteristics being always associated with a positive refractive index change resulting from multi-photon energy deposition under multiple-pulse femtosecond laser irradiation. These properties have been exploited in this work for the fabrication of efficient first-order helicoidal Type A waveguides Bragg gratings in the near-infrared (NIR) range, with periodicities well below the diffraction limit and with typical length L = 500 μm, showing narrowband mirror behaviours. Moreover, this work demonstrates that such helicoidal Type A waveguides Bragg gratings allow for modulating the refractive index of the waveguide at half the periodicity of the helix. Such a peculiarity has been exploited to fabricate efficient first-order Type A waveguides Bragg gratings in the NIR range, as well as in the far red range of the visible spectrum, showing a remarkably strong coupling coefficient, up to one order of magnitude higher than what is reported in the literature.

Spectral Investigations of 60S Bioactive Glass Modified with La and Y Ions.

The changes in the atomic structure and in the network of bonds between oxide tetrahedra in 60S bioactive glass upon modification of its structure by yttrium and lanthanum atoms were investigated via XPS, FTIR, and NMR spectroscopy methods. The presence of nanostructure in the samples of 60S bioactive glass modified with yttrium and lanthanum was demonstrated. The formation of a bioinert core of 60S bioactive glass nanoparticles with the subsequent formation of a biocompatible layer is facilitated by the redistribution of electron density when oxygen bridge bonds are broken, PO4 and SiO4 tetrahedra are fragmented in the polymer matrix, and isolated nanoclusters are formed. Given the fact that during the interaction with the extracellular matrix, the breakdown of covalent bonds -O-Si-O-P- is more energetically costly than the rapid ionic exchange of network modifiers Ca2+ (Y3+, La3+) and the leaching of isolated nanoclusters into the surrounding physiological environment, it is argued that modification of 60S bioactive glass with yttrium or lanthanum can accelerate bioactive ionic processes in the extracellular matrix.

NIR regeneration and visible luminescence modification in photochromic glass: A novel encryption and 3D optical storage medium

AbstractPhotochromic glass shows great promise for 3D optical information encryption and storage applications. The formation of Ag nanoclusters by light irradiation has been a significant development in the field of photochromic glass research. However, extending this approach to other metal nanoclusters remains a challenge. In this study, we present a pioneering method for crafting photochromic glass with reliably adjustable dual‐mode luminescence in both the NIR and visible spectra. This was achieved by leveraging bimetallic clusters of bismuth, resulting in a distinct and novel photochromic glass. When rare‐earth‐doped, bismuth‐based glass is irradiated with a 473 nm laser, and it undergoes a color transformation from yellow to red, accompanied by visible and broad NIR luminescence. This phenomenon is attributed to the formation of laser‐induced (Bi+, Bi0) nanoclusters. We achieved reversible manipulation of the NIR luminescence of these nanoclusters and visible rare‐earth luminescence by alternating exposure to a 473 nm laser and thermal stimulation. Information patterns can be inscribed and erased on a glass surface or in 3D space, and the readout is enabled by modulating visible and NIR luminescence. This study introduces a pioneering strategy for designing photochromic glasses with extensive NIR luminescence and significant potential for applications in high‐capacity information encryption, optical data storage, optical communication, and NIR imaging. The exploration of bimetallic cluster formation in Bi represents a vital contribution to the advancement of multifunctional glass systems with augmented optical functionalities and versatile applications.image

Multifunctional hydrophobin-like protein (HFB-NJ1): A versatile solution for wastewater treatment

As wastewater contains a variety of contaminating bacteria and oily residues, there is an urgent need for environmentally safe bactericidal agents and surfactants which can be applied for wastewater treatment. The present study emphasizes on the potential of hydrophobin-like protein (HFB-NJ1) extracted from sporulating mycelia of Aspergillus sp. NJ1 for wastewater treatment. The purified HFB-NJ1, depicted the presence of one single protein band of molecular size approximately 11–12 kDa on silver-stained SDS-PAGE gel. HFB-NJ1 also presented properties such as surface modification of glass and stable emulsification of sunflower oil. HFB-NJ1 depicted exceptional antibacterial activity against bacterial pathogens such as Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at low MIC of 0.5 μg/mL and 0.75 μg/mL respectively. Additionally, HFB-NJ1 depicted enhanced emulsification of various vegetable and petroleum-based oils (E24 > 80%). HFB-NJ1 effectively reduced gold ions, producing nanospheres with a size of 15.33 nm – a recognized antimicrobial agent. This study underscores the multifunctional attributes of HFB-NJ1, highlighting its efficacy in removing pathogenic bacteria, emulsifying organic compounds from wastewater, and demonstrating a reduction ability for nanoparticle synthesis.

Influence of geometric shape, pore structure and surface modification of recycled fine aggregate on the rheology behaviour and strength development of mortar

The complex physical properties of recycled fine aggregate affect the rheological and mechanical properties of mortar, thereby limiting its application in cement-based materials. This paper evaluated the geometric shape and pore structure of natural fine aggregate (NFA), recycled fine aggregate (RFA), and recycled fine aggregate modified by water glass (MRFA), and studied its water absorption and bulk density. The influence of complex physical properties of RFA before and after modification on the rheological behavior, strength development, and microscopic properties of mortar was analyzed. The rheological tests were carried out on the fresh mortar with 7 mixes, and the compressive strength and flexural strength of hardened mortar after curing for 3, 7 and 28 days were tested. The results shown that the modification of water glass has improved the water absorption and geometric shape of RFA to some extent, resulting in a small increase in the apparent viscosity and yield stress of recycled mortar compared to NFA mortar. When the replacement level of RFA was less than 30 %, the compressive strength of recycled mortar was 13 % higher than that of NFA mortar. As the replacement level increased to 40 %, the incorporation of water glass also helped to improve the mortar strength. The irregular geometric shape and high water absorption of RFA were conducive to achieving dense mechanical bonding and reducing the Ca/Si ratio in the interface transition zone.

Harnessing earthquake generated glass and plastic waste for sustainable construction

On February 6, 2023 Türkiye witnessed two massive earthquakes of magnitudes 7.6 and 7.8 centred near Gaziantep Province. The aftermaths of the earthquakes were devastating. Thousands of people were dead under the rubble of collapsed buildings and millions displaced. The challenge was the disposal of tons of debris generated due to the destruction of structures and roads, and the construction of new buildings for relocation of displaced people. Not only being uneconomical, the disposal and new construction also became a major environmental concern. A solution to this problem lies in the constructive disposal of earthquake wastes i.e., the utilization of waste materials from debris generated after an earthquake in order to ensure its proper and beneficial disposition. The article provides a two problems one solution technique in this regard. Research techniques and outcomes of modification of glass and plastic waste in the industries for the manufacture of good quality construction materials and the subsequent use of these materials in construction are reviewed. Further analysis is carried out to determine whether the application of this knowledge in practical field ensures that both environmental and economical requirements are met.

Increasing Efficiency of Ultrafast Laser Writing Via Nonlocality of Light‐Matter Interaction

AbstractIn ultrafast laser writing, and light‐matter interaction in general, it has been widely accepted that the higher the energy density, the stronger material changes occur, unless thermal effects are involved. Here, this belief is challenged by demonstrating that a decreased energy density—achieved through increased scanning speed and without thermal accumulation—surprisingly leads to a more significant modification of silica glass, i.e, a higher increase in the isotropic refractive index or greater birefringence of nanopore‐mediated modification. This counterintuitive phenomenon is attributed to the nonlocality of light‐matter interaction at tight focusing, where the intensity gradient of the light beam and associated diffusion of charge carriers play a critical role in increasing material modification. A tenfold increase in the writing speed of the polarization multiplexed data storage with the potential to achieve MB s‐1 using high transmission nanopore‐based modification.

Zirconia‐containing glass‐ceramics: From nucleating agent to primary crystalline phase

AbstractThis article reviews promising studies on the design, manufacturing, microstructure, properties, and applications of glass‐ceramics containing ZrO2 and relevant glass‐ceramic matrix composites. After the addition of ZrO2 to a glass‐ceramic composition, it can persist in the residual glassy phase, facilitate nucleation, and/or precipitate as ZrO2 or another zirconate crystalline phase. Also, ZrO2‐reinforced or ZrO2‐toughened glass‐ceramics can be designed as composites. In this article, the term “ZrO2‐containing glass‐ceramics” encompasses all these scenarios in which ZrO2 is present. Such glass‐ceramics offer a wide range of applications in modern industries, including but not limited to architecture, optics, dentistry, medicine, and energy. Since S. Donald Stookey's discovery of glass‐ceramics in the early 1950s, the most important scientific efforts reported in the literature are reviewed. ZrO2 is commonly added to glass‐ceramics to promote nucleation. As a result, the role of ZrO2 in structural modification of residual glass and stimulating the nucleation in glass‐ceramic is first discussed. ZrO2 can also be designed into the main crystalline phase of glass‐ceramics, contributing achieving super high fracture toughness above 4 MPa·m0.5. Experimental and computational studies are reviewed in detail to elucidate how the transformation toughening and other mechanisms help to achieve such high values of fracture toughness. Sintered and glass‐ceramic matrix composites also show promise, where ZrO2 contributes to improved stability and mechanical properties. Finally, we hope this article will provoke interest in glass‐ceramic materials in both the scientific and industrial communities so that their tremendous technological potential in developing, for example, tough, thermally stable, transparent, and biologically compatible materials can be realized more widely.

Surface modification of bioactive glasses for successful incorporation with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)

SBF treatment of bioactive glass improved surface roughness and bonding, aiding integration with polymers in eco-friendly composite fabrication, potentially replacing silane agents.

An insight into the structural interpretation of network modification in Alkali-fluoroborosilicate glasses for its applicability in green luminescence and radiation shielding

The limited knowledge on the scientific aspects of the structural features of glassy matrices with and without the activator ions becomes a bottleneck in elucidating the interesting features of functional glassy matrices. Herein, we report the green luminescence and enhanced radiation shielding features imparted on BaO+ZnF2+K2O +SiO2+B2O3 glasses when it is activated by RE3+ (Tb3+) ions for the very first time. Applicability of the proposed matrix was investigated on the basis of extensive structural investigation carried through XRD, FTIR, Raman and SSNMR (Solid-State NMR) spectroscopies. The Alkali-fluoroborosilicate glassy network is characterized through 29Si, 19F and 11B magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR. Existence of various structural units/bonds (Tb-O, F-B, Si-O-Si and Si-O-B bonds) within the glassy system was validated and their structural formations by means of increase in Boron content were substantially investigated. Optical properties like, optical absorption, photoluminescence emission and excitation were carried out for rare earth (Tb3+) activated Alkali-fluoroborosilicate glass for its suitability in green luminescence applications. Radiation shielding parameters such as Mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), Half Value Layer (HVL), Mean Free Path (MFP), Effective Electron Density (Neff) and Effective Atomic Number (ZEff) were also evaluated for investigating its potentiality as a radiation shielding material. The shielding features found to be enhanced with the integration of Tb3+ ions with the prepared glasses.

Modeling of physical and chemical processes in the synthesis of foam glass of various modifications: phase analysis and prediction of properties

To achieve effective thermal insulation of enclosing structures, it is necessary to increase the resistance to heat transfer through the use of advanced thermal insulation materials. A promising heat-insulating material is foam glass, which has a low thermal conductivity, high mechanical strength, frost resistance and low density. The physical properties of foam glass are determined by the structure of its macro- and microstructure, which depend on the temperature regime of synthesis and composition components. In the work, the choice of the optimal compositions of foam glass for correct comparison was carried out, a physicochemical model was developed, the qualitative and quantitative phase composition of foam glass samples was determined using the method of X-ray phase analysis to verify the results obtained. Based on the performed calculations of the composition of phases and components that are formed during the synthesis of various modifications of foam glass, the possible phases were determined using physicochemical models and methods for minimizing thermodynamic potentials. These methods make it possible to determine the equilibrium composition of a heterogeneous system and the thermodynamic parameters of processes. The reliability of the model is confirmed by the results of X-ray phase analysis, which showed the presence of phases obtained by calculation. The scientific novelty of the study lies in determining the features of the formation of crystalline phases during the synthesis of foam glass, taking into account the temperature-time conditions and composition. The study showed that the formation of the mineral composition of foam glass in the considered modifications is significantly affected by Na2B4O7∙10H2O and natural chalk. Additionally, microimpurities affect the formation of new aluminosilicate phases and the redistribution of the main chemical elements between the mineral components of foam glass. This also leads to changes in the density and composition of amorphous phases. An efficient model has been developed using the Gibbs isobaric-isothermal potential minimization method, numerical values of the number of probable phases and components formed during the synthesis of foam glass material have been obtained.

Influence of Modification of Porous Glass with Zinc Oxide on Its Photocatalytic Properties

Influence of Modification of Porous Glass with Zinc Oxide on Its Photocatalytic Properties

Thiol-ene click reaction as an effective tool for the synthesis of PEG-functionalized alkoxysilanes-precursors of anti-fog coatings

The article presents a very simple method of glass modification to obtain the anti-fog effect. Silanes containing two types of functional groups, namely a hydrophilic and polar polyether group and an alkoxysilyl group (to bond with the surface of the modified material) were synthesized in thiol-ene reactions. The hydrothiolation reactions of polyethers containing a C=C terminal bond with mercaptoalkoxysilane proceeded efficiently, yielding quantitatively appropriate products under mild reaction conditions. This method enabled the synthesis of a series of alkoxysilanes functionalized with polyethers, differing in structure. The group of obtained derivatives was characterized by 1H, 13C, 29Si NMR, and FT-IR analyses, and then used to prepare coatings on glass using the sol–gel method. The coated glass surfaces exhibited transparency, superhydrophilic or hydrophilic properties, anti-fog and anti-frost performance.

Engineering active sites by boron modification in MnSiB metallic glasses for efficient catalytic performance

Recent advances indicate that metallic glass (MG) catalysts with large-scale production capability and robust reusability have made encouraging progresses in the wastewater treatment. The strategy to engineer active sites of MGs due to the nature of low surface area of ribbons, however, is still quite limited. Herein, we developed MnSiB MG catalysts and modulated the B content to engineer the surface active sites. Among the series of MnSiB MGs, Mn73Si16B11 MG ribbons present the optimized catalytic ability, showing a complete degradation of five organic dyes within 30 min and an extremely low activation energy of 11.5 kJ mol−1. The surface characteristics indicate that active Mn0 sites enriched at the band-shaped area dominate the catalytic efficiency, and an exchange of surface Mn0 with H+ to produce active [H] leads to the efficient decomposition of dye molecules. In addition, a surface renewing behavior originating from the B hydr(oxides) at moderate B composition in the MnSiB11 MG ribbons contributes to the strong reusability during dye degradation. This work sheds light on the role of B in modifying MG surface activity which is capable of designing efficient and green catalysts.