GLASS-FORMING ABILITY IN CALCIUM ALUMINATE-BASED SYSTEMS

Glass formation and stability of calcium aluminate-based glasses were assessed, qualitatively, by changing melt volumes and cooling rates. S table glasses, obtained through the addition of sodium, barium, and st rontium to the binary system, were investigated in detail. Glass stabi lity was evaluated via DTA analysis. The crystallization products were determined by X-ray diffraction techniques. In addition, IR spectrosc opic measurements were performed to gauge the relative water contents of the glasses and to assess the influence of composition upon the IR cutoff. It was determined that such additions greatly improve the glas s-forming ability and do not appear to negatively impact the optical p roperties of the glass.