Preparation of ternary (35 – x)Sb₂O₃–xBi₂O₃–65P₂O₅ glasses for lead-free glass application

Abstract

Glasses composed of ternary components (35 – x)Sb2O3–xBi2O3–65P2O5 (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 20 mol%) have been prepared and investigated as a potential alternative to lead-free glass for low temperature applications. Their structural properties were studied by Infrared Spectroscopy IR and Differential Thermal Analysis DTA. Results from the IR showed that Sb3+ and Bi3+ were responsible for glass network structure, which was supported by the diversification of density ρ and molar volume Vm with an increasing amount of Bi2O3. Glass transition temperature Tg, thermal stability, and coefficient of thermal expansion increased after substitution of Bi2O3 for Sb2O3 within the range of 0 mol% to 20 mol%. The water durability decreased and then increased; it could be attributed to the corrosion resistant P–O–Sb bonds. A typical sample of 25Sb2O3–10Bi2O3–65P2O5 possesses excellent properties and can be a promising candidate for further applications.