Mixed Alkali-zinc Effects on Thermo-mechanical Properties in Borosilicate Glasses

A series of mixed alkali-zinc borosilicate glasses with various r values(r=molar ratio of[ZnO]/([R^(2)O]+[ZnO]))from 0.00 to 1.00 were fabricated to probe the mixed alkali-zinc effects on thermo-mechanical properties.The nonlinear evolution of glass transition temperature(T_(g))with the addition of ZnO is ascribed to the competition of two converse factors,i e,the T_(g)depression as one of the colligative properties for a solution,on the one hand,and the enhancement of T_(g)due to the higher field strength of zinc cations compared to that of alkali ions.However,the nonlinear evolution of elastic moduli and coefficients of thermal expansion with r is attributed to the variance of intermediate-range clusters,which is confirmed by infrared and Raman scattering spectra.These findings are very helpful in tailoring the performance of borosilicate glasses.

Mixed-Alkali Effect on Thermal Property and Elastic Behavior in Borosilicate Glasses

We investigated the mixed alkali effect on the thermal properties and elastic response to temperature in the borosilicate glasses system with the composition of 70.65Si O_(2)·21.09B_(2)O_(3)·1.88Al_(2)O_(3)·(6.38-x)Li_(2)O·x Na_(2)O glasses,where x=0.00,1.595,3.19,4.785,and 6.38.Except for the expected positive and negative deviations from linearity for the coefficients of thermal expansion,room temperature E and G,we observed a new mixed alkali efiect on the response of elastic moduli to temperature.Fourier transform infrared spectra were obtained to elucidate the possible structural origin of the mixed alkali efiects.This work provides a valuable insight into the structural and mechanical properties of mixed-alkali borosilicate glasses.

Visible to deep ultraviolet range optical absorption of electron irradiated borosilicate glass

To study the room-temperature stable defects induced by electron irradiation, commercial borosilicate glasses were irradiated by 1.2 MeV electrons and then ultraviolet（UV） optical absorption（OA） spectra were measured. Two characteristic bands were revealed before irradiation, and they were attributed to silicon dangling bond（E＇-center） and Fe^3＋species,respectively. The existence of Fe3＋was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance（EPR） measurements. After irradiation, the absorption spectra revealed irradiation-induced changes, while the content of E＇-center did not change in the deep ultraviolet（DUV） region. The slightly reduced OA spectra at 4.9 eV was supposed to transform Fe3＋species to Fe^2＋species and this transformation leads to the appearance of 4.3 eV OA band. By calculating intensity variation, the transformation of Fe was estimated to be about 5% and the optical absorption cross section of Fe2＋species is calculated to be 2.2 times larger than that of Fe^3＋species. Peroxy linkage（POL, ≡Si–O–O–Si≡）, which results in a 3.7 eV OA band, is speculated not to be from Si–O bond break but from Si–O–B bond, Si–O–Al bond, or Si–O–Na bond break. The co-presence defect with POL is probably responsible for 2.9-eV OA band.

The Coordination State of B and Al of Borosilicate Glass by IR Spectra

The IR spectra of R2O-RO-B2O3-SiO2 and R2O-RO-B2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 glasses were tested for the study of coordination state of B, Al and their content. The results show that no matter Na2O/B2O3〉1, =1, or〈1, both [BO3] and destroyed Si-O bond exist in glass structure; the addition of Al2O3 to borosilicate glass reduced both the number of non-bridging oxygen in the silicate network and the number of [BO4] units.

Preparation and Optical Properties of Er^(3+)-Doped Gadolinium Borosilicate Glasses

Er^(3+)-doped Gd_2O_3 -SiO_2 -B_2O_3 -Na_2O glasses were prepared, and formation range of glass of Gd_2O_3 -SiO_2 -B_2O_3 system was experimentally obtained. It is found that the glass phase can be formed only when the content of SiO_2 is 0～50%(molar fraction), Gd_2O_3 is 0～30%(molar fraction) and B_2O_3 is above 20%(molar fraction) in this glass system. The glass can also be obtained but becomes translucent at the contents of 60%(molar fraction) SiO_2 and 30% Gd_2O_3 , or at the contents of 60%(molar fraction) SiO_2 and 30%(molar fraction) B_2O_3. There is no glass phase formed in other glass components. Glass forming ability for Gd_2O_3 content of 10%, was characterized by the value of β, the parameter of crystallization tendency, which is 0.32～1.76, obtained from the differential thermal analysis. The absorption and emission cross section, the J-O parameters Ωt_((2,4,6)) and radiative transition probabilities were calculated by using the theory of McCumber and Judd-Ofelt. The emission properties at 1.5 μm of the samples are discussed with the product of full width at half maximum and stimulated emission cross section. It can be seen that the value of the FWHM×σ_e^(peak) product in the prepared glass is more than those of germanate, silicate and phosphate glasses. Furthermore, the maximum value of the product among these glasses reported in this work is close to that of oxyfluoride silicate glass. Therefore, the Er^(3+)-doped gadolinium borosilicate glass in this paper is a candidate for broadband erbium doped fiber amplifiers.

Effect of SiO_2/B_2O_3 Ratio on the Property of Borosilicate Glass Applied in Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plant

This work aimed to analyze the glass material used for sealing the end of a thermal collector in a parabolic trough solar power plant. Based on matched sealing requirements and application performance of glass and Kovar alloy 4J29, one borosilicate glass material （GD480S）, whose expansion coefficient was similar to that of Kovar alloy 4J29, was studied. Moreover, the effect of the ratio of SiO2 to B203 on the glass properties was explored in detail by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. As the SiO2 to B203 ratio in the glass increased from 4.18 to 5.77, the expansion coefficient showed a decreasing trend from 4.95×10-6/℃ to 4.55℃ 10-6/℃. In addition, the water resistance performance improved, enabling the glass material to seal well with the alloy for application in a trough solar power plant. Thus, the increase in the SiO2 to B2O3 ratio made the glass structure more compact and improved the glass performance to meet the requirements of an industrial tubular receiver.

Effects of SnO on Structure and Propertiesof Borosilicate Glasses

Tin was found in the bottom of float borosilicate glasses. To simulate the enriched amounts of SnO found on the surface of the float borosilicate glasses, a series of glasses were produced in which the stannous concentration was varied from 0.1 wt% to 9.0 wt%, while the relative concentration of other components were held constant. Infrared spectra were obtained to probe the effect of increased amounts of SnO on the structure of the glass samples. The results show that SnO plays the role of an intermediate in glasses studied. When FO/SnO〉1.0, SnO takes the role of network-former. And when FO/SnO〈1.0, SnO can give the free oxygen as network-modifier. Besides, SnO has intensive effect on thermal performance of borosilicate glasses.

The Effect of Sm_2O_3 on the Chemical Stability of Borosilicate Glass and Glass Ceramics

Sm2O3 containing zinc-borosilicate glass and glass ceramics were prepared by melt quenching method, and the effect of Sm2O3 and micro-crystallization on the chemical stability of borosilicate glass was explored. DTA analysis showed that the endothermic peak and exothermic peak of basic glass changed from 635 ℃ and 834 ℃ to 630 ℃ and 828 ℃ respectively as a result of the doping of Sm2O3. XRD analysis showed the promoting effect of Sm2O3 on crystallization ability of this glass. The cumulative mass loss of base glass, Sm2O3 containing glass, glass ceramic and Sm2O3 containing glass ceramic was 0.289, 0.253, 0.329, 0.269 mg/mm2 respectively after 26 days corrosion in alkali solution, and 1.293, 1.290, 0.999, 1.040 mg/mm2 respectively in acidic erosion medium. Micro-crystallization decreased and improved the alkali and acid resistance of borosilicate glass respectively, the addition of Sm2O3 increased the alkali resistance of base glass and glass ceramics, and the slight effect of Sm2O3 on the acid resistance of borosilicate glass was also observed.

Up-conversion photoluminescence characteristics of Yb^(3+):Er^(3+):Tm^(3+) co-doped borosilicate glasses

Yb^3＋：Er^3＋：Tm^3＋co-doped borosilicate glasses are prepared. Their strong up-conversion photoluminescence spectra in a range from ultra-violet to near-infrared, which are excited by a 978-nm laser diode, are measured, and the mechanisms of energy transfer among Yb^3＋ Er^3＋ and Tm^3＋ ions are discussed. The results show that there is an unexpected wavelength at 900-nm emission from Yb^3＋ Stark splitting levels to pump Tm^3＋ ions and there exists an optimum pump power. The concentration of the Tm^3＋ dopant gives rise to a prominent effect on the intensity of visible and near-infrared emissions for the yb^3＋：Er^3＋：Tm^3＋ co-doped borosilicate glasses.

Utilisation of Borosilicate Glass Waste as a Micro-Filler for Concrete

Glass from a light bulb is a waste product that cannot be utilised in a traditional way. This study looks into the possibilities of using lamp borosilicate glass powder as a cement replacing admixture in conventional concrete. Experimental work provides preparation of standard concrete samples and sample testing after seven and 28-day ageing periods in standard conditions. The following glass materials were used for cement replacement： rough ground glass powder, glass dust from filters （both materials were obtained from a glass treatment plant） and additionally ground glass powder. The effect of glass powder on cement setting time was studied. The experimental results indicate that replacement of cement by rough glass powder decreases the compressive strength. Fine glass particles make it possible to replace up to 20% of cement without the loss in strength characteristics. Fine glass powder offers a long-term hardening effect. The best compressive strength results were achieved by using the glass that was additionally ground for 60 minutes. Glass dust obtained from filters shows a less significant effect. Summarising the research findings it may be concluded that ground borosilicate lamp glass may be successfully applied as a micro-filler for concrete as cement replacing material.

Mechanism of Cluster Formation on Cerium Borosilicate Glasses Based on TEM-EDP and SEM-EDEX Investigations

Cerium oxide has a great capacity to remove nonbridging oxygen atoms (NBO) from the glass network and serves as glass former units. The well formed CeO4 units played the role of decreasing NBO from the silicate network and cause a reduction in the concentration of tetrahedral boron groups (N4). The highest content of NBO in glass of lower CeO2 (1 mol%) has a dominant role in constructing crystalline clusters in the glass. Higher CeO2 concentration leads to formation of an amorphous glass network as documented by XRD and TEM-EDP spectra. Coordination of cerium with oxygen atoms gives uniform units of spherical morphology in the pure CeO2 as well as in cerium rich glass. Clustered species has a great benefit in the field of application, used as a shielding material for ionized radiations.

Initial therapeutic evidence of a borosilicate bioactive glass(BSG)and Fe_(3)O_(4)magnetic nanoparticle scaffold on implant-associated Staphylococcal aureus bone infection

Implant-associated Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)osteomyelitis is a severe challenge in orthopedics.While antibiotic-loaded bone cement is a standardized therapeutic approach for S.aureus osteomyelitis,it falls short in eradicating Staphylococcus abscess communities(SACs)and bacteria within osteocyte-lacuna canalicular network(OLCN)and repairing bone defects.To address limitations,we developed a borosilicate bioactive glass(BSG)combined with ferroferric oxide(Fe_(3)O_(4))magnetic scaffold to enhance antibacterial efficacy and bone repair capabilities.We conducted comprehensive assessments of the osteoinductive,immunomodulatory,antibacterial properties,and thermal response of this scaffold,with or without an alternating magnetic field(AMF).Utilizing a well-established implant-related S.aureus tibial infection rabbit model,we evaluated its antibacterial performance in vivo.RNA transcriptome sequencing demonstrated that BSG+5%Fe_(3)O_(4)enhanced the immune response to bacteria and promoted osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of MSCs.Notably,BSG+5%Fe_(3)O_(4)upregulated gene expression of NOD-like receptor and TNF pathway in MSCs,alongside increased the expression of osteogenic factors(RUNX2,ALP and OCN)in vitro.Flow cytometry on macrophage exhibited a polarization effect towards M2,accompanied by upregulation of anti-inflammatory genes(TGF-β1 and IL-1Ra)and downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes(IL-6 and IL-1β)among macrophages.In vivo CT imaging revealed the absence of osteolysis and periosteal response in rabbits treated with BSG+5%Fe_(3)O_(4)+AMF at 42 days.Histological analysis indicated complete controls of SACs and bacteria within OLCN by day 42,along with new bone formation,signifying effective control of S.aureus osteomyelitis.Further investigations will focus on the in vivo biosafety and biological mechanism of this scaffold within infectious microenvironment.

Spontaneous immunomodulation and regulation of angiogenesis and osteogenesis by Sr/Cu-borosilicate glass (BSG) bone cement to repair critical bone defects

Injectable bone biomaterials like bone cement should be designed and fabricated with certain biological criteria,which include:1)recruitment and polarization of the macrophages from M1(pro-inflammatory)to M2(anti-inflammatory)phenotype,2)enhance vascularization,and 3)activate osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived stem cells to promote bone healing.So far,no injectable biomaterials could spontaneously regulate the entire bone healing process that involves inflammation,angiogenesis,and osteogenesis.Therefore,in this study,we designed bone cement comprised of strontium and copper-incorporated borosilicate glass(Sr/Cu-BSG)in the liquid phase of chitosan to modulate bone healing.In vitro studies showed that the controlled release of Sr and Cu ions up-regulated anti-inflammatory genes(IL-1Ra and TGF-β1)while down-regulating pro-inflammatory genes(IL-1βand IL-6)in macrophages at 3 days.Sr and Cu ions also increased the expressions of angiogenic genes(VEGF and bFGF)in HUVECs at 5 days and osteogenic genes(Runx-2,OCN,and OPN)in hBMSCs at 7,14,and 21 days.5Sr3Cu-BSG bone cement exhibited the best anti-inflammatory,angiogenic,and osteogenic properties among the bone cement groups with different Sr and Cu ratios.Short-term and long-term implantation of Sr/Cu-BSGs in femoral condylar bone defects of rats and rabbits confirmed the in vitro results,where the degradation rate of Sr/Cu-BSG matched the bone healing rate.Similar to in vitro,the 5Sr3Cu-BSG group also showed the highest bone formation in vivo.Excellent physical and chemical properties,along with its bone repairing ability,make the Sr/Cu-BSG bone cement a good candidate biomaterial for treating bone defects.

Tb^(3+)-doped borosilicate glass scintillators for highresolution X-ray imaging

Scintillators are the vital component in X-ray perspective image technology that is applied in medical imaging,industrial nondestructive testing,and safety testing.But the high cost and small size of single-crystal commercialized scintillators limit their practical application.Here,a series of Tb^(3+)-doped borosilicate glass(BSG)scintillators with big production size,low cost,and high spatial resolution are designed and fabricated.The structural,photoluminescent,and scintillant properties are systematically investigated.Benefiting from excellent transmittance(87%at 600 nm),high interquantum efficiency(60.7%),and high X-ray excited luminescence(217%of Bi4Ge3O12),the optimal sample shows superhigh spatial resolution(exceeding 20 lp/mm).This research suggests that Tb^(3+)-doped BSG scintillators have potential applications in the static X-ray imaging field.

Strontium modulates osteogenic activity of bone cement composed of bioactive borosilicate glass particles by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

There is a need for synthetic grafts to reconstruct large bone defects using minimal invasive surgery.Our previous study showed that incorporation of Sr into bioactive borate glass cement enhanced the osteogenic capacity in vivo.However,the amount of Sr in the cement to provide an optimal combination of physicochemical properties and capacity to stimulate bone regeneration and the underlying molecular mechanism of this stimulation is yet to be determined.In this study,bone cements composed of bioactive borosilicate glass particles substituted with varying amounts of Sr(0 mol%to 12 mol%SrO)were created and evaluated in vitro and in vivo.The setting time of the cement increased with Sr substitution of the glass.Upon immersion in PBS,the cement degraded and converted more slowly to HA(hydroxyapatite)with increasing Sr substitution.The released Sr2+modulated the proliferation,differentiation,and mineralization of hBMSCs(human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells)in vitro.Osteogenic characteristics were optimally enhanced with cement(designated BG6Sr)composed of particles substituted with 6mol%SrO.When implanted in rabbit femoral condyle defects,BG6Sr cement supported better peri-implant bone formation and bone-implant contact,comparing to cements substituted with 0mol%or 9mol%SrO.The underlying mechanism is involved in the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs.These results indicate that BG6Sr cement has a promising combination of physicochemical properties and biological performance for minimally invasive healing of bone defects.

Research on upconversion luminescence in new Er^(3+)/Yb^(3+) codoped oxyfluoride borosilicate glass ceramics

The upconversion luminescence of Er^3＋/Yb^3＋ ions is researched in a novel transparent oxyfluoride borosil- icate glass and glass ceramics under 980-nm excitation. Fluoride nanocrystals Ba2YF7 are successfully precipitated in glass matrix, which is affirmed by the X-ray diffraction results. Compared with the parent glasses, significant enhancement of upconversion luminescence is observed in the Er^3＋/Yb^3＋ codoped transparent glass-ceramics, which may be due to the variation of coordination environment around Er^3＋ and Yb^3＋ ions after crystallization. The possible upconversion mechanism is also discussed.

Low temperature sintering and performance of aluminum nitride/borosilicate glass

Aluminum nitride （AlN）/borosilicate glass composites were prepared by the tape casting process and hot-press sintered at 950 ℃ with AIN and SiO2-B203-ZnO-Al2O3-Li2O glass as starting materials. We characterized and analyzed the variation of the microstructure, bulk density, porosity, dielectric constant, thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient （TEC） of the ceramic samples as a function of AIN content. Results show that AIN and SiO2-B2O3-ZnO-Al2O3-Li2O glass can be sintered at 950 ℃, and ZnAI204 and Zn2SiO4 phase precipitated to form glass-ceramic. The performance of the ceramic samples was determined by the composition and bulk density of the composites. Lower AlN content was found redounding to liquid phase sintering, and higher bulk density of composites can be accordingly obtained. With the increase of porosity, corresponding decreases were located in the dielectric constant, thermal conductivity and TEC of the ceramic samples. When the mass fraction of AlN was 40%, the ceramic samples possessed a low dielectric constant （4.5-5.0）, high thermal conductivity （11.6 W/（m.K）） and a proper TEC （3.0× 10^-6 K^-1 which matched that of silicon）. The excellent performance makes this kind of low temperature co-fired ceramic a promising candidate for application in the micro-electronics packaging industry.

Mixed heavy metal effect on emission properties of Er^(3+)-doped borosilicate glasses

Er3+-doped heavy metal borosilicate glasses were prepared using conventional melting and quenching method. The emission spectra of 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition were observed upon excitation at 974 nm and the lifetime of 4I13/2 level of Er3+ was measured. Based on these data, the fluorescence properties of Er3+ are investigated on the emission and gain characteristics at the 1.5 μm bands. In particular, the effect of relative heavy metal content on fluorescence properties is discussed.

Multi-wavelength excitable europium-doped borosilicate glasses for orangered emission:composition-induced structure and valence variation

Europium-doped borosilicate glasses were prepared by melt-quenching procedure in the air.The mixed valence of Eu 2＋ and Eu 3＋ was identified by photoluminescence spectrum and electron paramagnetic resonance（EPR）.The existence of mixed valence was observed owing to the unequivalent substitution and de-polymerization network of the as-prepared borosilicate glasses.The variation of the glass composition in B 2 O 3 /BaO ratios changed the stability of the Eu 3＋ ions distinctly.In particular,as-prepared borosilicate glasses exhibited a tri-wavelength light excitable spectra centered at 397,466 and 534 nm to give the broadened orange-red emission at around 592 and 617 nm,due to supersensitive transitions of Eu 3＋ ions.This simultaneous tri-wavelength excitation happened to correspond with the emitting wavelength from near ultraviolet,blue AlInGaN chips and that from YAG：Ce 3＋.The total quantum yield（QY） of the Eu-doped glasses under 466 nm excitation was evaluated to be 10%,potentially providing a versatile combination with the europium-doped borosilicate glasses for red component addition to improve the quality of white light.

Near-infrared carbon-implanted waveguides in Tb^3+doped aluminum borosilicate glasses

Ion implantation has played a unique role in the fabrication of optical waveguide devices.Tb'-doped aluminum borosilicate(TDAB)glass has been considered as an important magneto-optical material.In this work,near-infrared waveguides have been manufactured by the(5.5+6.0)MeV C^3+ion implantation with doses of(4.0+8.0)×10^13 ions·cm^-2 in the TDAB glass.The modes propagated in the TDAB glass waveguide were recorded by a prism-coupling system.The finite-difference beam propagation method(FD-BPM)was carried out to simulate the guiding characteristics of the TDAB glass waveguide.The TDAB glass waveguide allows the light propagation with a single-mode at 1.539μm and can serve as a potential candidate for future waveguide isolators.