Atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigation of the onset of reactions on alkali silicate glass surfaces
- Rutgers Univ., Piscataway, NJ (United States). Dept. of Ceramics, and Center for Ceramics Research and Interfacial Molecular Science Lab.
Atomic force microscopy was used to measure forces acting on a sharp tungsten tip as it was brought into contact with silica and 30 mol% binary alkali silicate glasses. Experiments were performed in controlled atmospheres and under vacuum. Attractive forces and liquid-layer thicknesses were found to vary markedly between the glasses, and heterogeneity was observed on the binary alkali silicates analyzed in vacuo. Air or wet carbon dioxide exposure resulted in the penetration of the tip into a soft surface layer on the alkali silicates. In addition, the liquid layer formation on the alkali silicates was found to be promoted by exposure to water vapor in the order lithium < sodium < potassium. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that reaction between the potassium silicate surface and water vapor occurred on exposure to only 10[sup [minus]4] torr (1 torr = 1.33 [times] 10[sup 2] Pa) water. Surface segregation and leaching of potassium occurred under the same conditions.
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG05-89ER75521; FG05-88ER45368
- OSTI ID:
- 5849405
- Journal Information:
- Journal of the American Ceramic Society; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of the American Ceramic Society; (United States) Vol. 76:10; ISSN 0002-7820; ISSN JACTAW
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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