Mixed reactions: Glass durability and the mixed‐alkali effect. Issue 12 (10th July 2019) - Rodrigues, Alexandra
Abstract: Multiple‐component oxide silicate glasses possess a complex network backbone, which results in manifolded composition property relationships. The relation between the chemical composition and durability of silicate glasses is not linear, however, this relation has always been considered somewhat relevant. Several contradicting observations on the mixed‐alkali effect and its relation with their chemical alteration have been reported. Here, laboratory results and historical evidence show that the often good state of preservation of aged mixed modifier glasses is in good agreement with the influence of a mixed‐modifier cation effect (MMCE) such as had been observed for other mobility‐ and bulk‐related properties. This concordance supports the proposals made through this work concerning pore closure and lower diffusivity of mobile species under the MMCE. Abstract : This study investigates the possible mixed modifier effect in the chemical durability through the characterisation of the chemical alterations (by surface composition and structure analyses) of replica historical glasses under museum‐like conditions for up to 1 year and comparison with historical analogous materials.