Characterization of Glass Surface. I. Mechanisms of Various Surface-Related Phenomena on Glass.

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the mechanisms of various surface-related phenomena on glass and the analytical techniques suitable for the study. As a phenomenon with respect to optical properties of glass surface, the mechanisms of optically dimming phenomenon caused by interaction with the environment, namely weathering resistance of the glass, are explained on the basis of changes in the surface layer composition. Furthermore, as a phenomenon with respect to chemical reactivity of glass surface, factors governing the adsorption property of float glass as the majority of flat glass have been discussed extensively in terms of the surface OH group as an adsorptive site, including the SnOH group originated from tin penetration into the glass during a float process. Additionally, a typical contamination substance on glass surface and a newly developed technique for the removal of them are introduced. In these practical examples, the applications of advanced surface analytical techniques such as SIMS have been mentioned to characterize successfully the glass surface, and it may contribute to the development of highly efficient glass applications.