Small Angle X-ray Scattering and Transmission Electron Microscopy of Water Containing Phase Separated Soda Lime Silica Glasses

The phase separation characteristics of a soda-lime-silica glass composition located in the metastable liquid immiscibility region were studied as a function of water content in the glass structure. The water content was varied by the batching process, using dry and gel batches, and by melting under different water vapour partial pressures. The glasses were analysed for their water contents which were evaluated as a function of the raw materials and melting atmosphere. Variations in the phase separation characteristics as a function of water content were observed by small angle x-ray scattering measurements and transmission electron microscopy. The most profound effect was an increase in nucleation frequency with increasing water content in the glass