Transactions of the INDIAN CERAMIC SOCIETY Vol. 27 1968
Effect of Surface Dealkalization on the Mechanical,
Chemical and Electrical Properties of Glass
P. K. GUPTA AND s. KUMAR
Pages : 89-94
DOI : 10.1080/0371750X.1968.10855636
Abstract
The mechanical strength, rate of water attack and surface power factor were
measured on soda-magnesia, soda-lime and soda-alumina glasses before and after the
glass specimens were treated with alkali pyrosulphate at elevated temperatures. The
average transverse strength increased by three to five times after the treatment. The
rate of extraction of Na20 and Si02 by boiling water, as well as the ratio Na20 : Si02
in the extracts decreased very considerably from the normal values. The surface
power factor and the mechanical strength of treated glass specimens did not deteriorate
with increasing humidity. The observed improvements in the properties have been
ascribed to the formation of a dealkalised and toughened surface layer as a result of the
thermo-chemical treatment. The results were discussed in relation to the nature of the
thermo-chemical reactions involved and structure of glass.
