Double effect of glass former B2O3 and intermediate Pb3O4 augmentation on the structural, thermal, and optical properties of borate network

Abstract

Inlaying the glass network via two ions simultaneously is of paramount importance in giving the glass many advantages. Hence in the present article, the impact of augmentation of glass former B2O3 and intermediate Pb3O4 on a borate network was studied extensively. First, the core glass network 30B2O3-60Na2O-10ZnO was prepared via melt/quenching technique and then gradually enriched by different concentrations of B2O3 and Pb3O4 simultaneously. The impact of the two additives on the structural, thermal, and optical properties of the proposed core borate network was studied. The visual examination of the obtained glasses showed the formation of high-transparency glass and the significant impact of Pb2+ on its color gradation. Based on the X-ray diffraction patterns, it was evident that the studied material has an amorphous phase. Density and FTIR measurements indicated that lead plays a dual role, modifier and former, in the considered borate network and formation of both threefold and fourfold boron based on the B2O3 and Pb3O4 concentration. Through thermal properties study, the considered glass has high thermal stability and good formability. The present glasses have a semiconducting nature with an energy gap of 1.6–2.4 eV and a high refractive index of 2.581 – 2.934. Hence, due to high transparency, low band gap (semiconductor nature), thermal stability, and high density as well as its richness by high slow neutron cross section element B, the considered glass can find a special position for it as photonics, optoelectronics, and nuclear radiation shielding materials.