Micro Raman characterization of nickel sulfide inclusions in toughened glass

Toughened glass panels used as glazing material in multistory buildings are subject to fracture when they contain nickel sulfide inclusions. The failu re mechanism is generally attributed to the significant volume increase rel ated to a polymorphic phase retransformation in nickel sulfide. This invest igation exploits the ability of micro Raman spectroscopy to analyze minute inclusions. The technique is able to distinguish between different polymorp hs and various stoichiometric forms of nickel sulfide and has the potential to satisfy the need for an in situ, nondestructive analytical technique fo r the characterization of nickel sulfide inclusions in glass. (C) 2000 Else vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.