Density as a probe of oxide glass structure

In this paper ive examine the proposition, that density and molar volume ca n be directly related to short range structure in a host of oxide glasses. In particular, ive look at a variety of borates, silicates, germanates, van adates and thioborates. Within these families ve report results from both b inary and ternary systems. We believe it is possible to see evidence in den sity trends for changes in the short range order as modification of the gla ss proceeds. For example ive see evidence for coordination changes. Also we speculate that it is possible to discern changes in this physical property due to changes at the intermediate or mesounit level, as an example the de nsity of vitreous boron oxide is some 40% lower than its crystal form. This is thought clue to the presence of boroxol rings in the glass and absence of such rings in the crystal.