Differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X-ray diffraction and M6ssbauer spectroscopy were employed in the investigation of crystalline products of FeOx--P~O~ glasses generated by various heat treatments. In glasses with a high value of e = Fe~+/(Fe 2+ q-FEZ+), absorption of oxygen occurs in a broad temperature range identified by TG. Depending on the value of e, two exotherms appear in the DTA curves, the low-temperature one corresponding to crystallization of the Fe3(PO4) ~ type regions, and the high-temperature one being related to various phases with dominating FePOa. Each exotherm has its own transformation region, identical in absolute value. The MSssbauer spectra of glasses which underwent thermal treatment at higher temperatures exhibit some indication of phases of the types Fe3(PO~)~ " xH20 and FePO4 " xHeO.It is assumed that the transport of charge in iron phosphate glasses is due to the migration of charge carriers between Fe ions of various valencies. In our recent paper devoted to the analysis of FeO~-P20 5 glasses, using the thermostimulated depolarization method (TSD) we predicted the presence of microscopic regions of the dispersed phase inserted in the homogeneous matrix of the glass [1]. The mechanism of devitrification, studied in this connection by means of transmission electron microscopy [2], as well as some indirect structural conclusions based on ac and dc characteristics measurements [3] and considerations of the phase separation of phosphate glasses [4,5], assume the existence of several phases.It is the aim of this paper to investigate the crystallization of FeOx-P205 glasses in a non-isothermal way (using differential thermal analysis, DTA, and thermogravimetry, TG), to identify crystalline phases generated by heat treatment (using X-ray analysis and M6ssbauer spectroscopy), and to judge the possibility of liquid-liquid phase separation.
Experimental
Sample preparationReagent-grade P~Os, F%Oz and dextrose were carefully mixed in the desired proportion and then approximately 15 g of the mixture was placed in an SlOe crucible and melted in an electric muffle furnace. An argon atmosphere under normal conditions was present during the preparation of glasses with a > 0.5