Learning objectives
It is required an adequate understanding which may be based on the theoretical background acquired in the first cycle to extend its expertise in applying new approaches of critical analysis. In particular the candidates must have the capacity to address the issues in a multidisciplinary way with particular attention to the relationship between composition, industrial production and physical, chemical and mechanical properties of inorganic glass
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
The glassy inorganic materials are at the basis of several technological and traditional applications. The course is intended to provide the fundamentals of glass chemistry with particular attention to the role played by the composition of vitreous state in determining the desired optical physical and chemical properties. Some classes of glassy inorganic materials will be widely described in terms of their microstructure, optical properties, chemical behaviour and bio-activity. A series of experimental characterization procedures will be exposed for the study of the different aspects concerning the glass material. The principal industrial processes of glass fabrication will be discussed.
Full programme
General aspects of the glass
The glassy state
Structure of Glass
Liquid-liquid phase separation : Vycor glass
Nucleation and crystallization of glass: glass-ceramics
Mechanical and chemical properties of glass-ceramics
The viscosity of the glass and its implications
Fixed points of the viscosity
Measurement of viscosity
Calculation of viscosity
Density of glass
Thermal expansion of the glass
Effects of linear expansion
Stresses in welds
Thermal stress
Annealing and stress reduction
Stress measurement
Mechanical resistance of glass
Cracks and their influence on resistance
Measurement of the mechanical resistance and increased impact resistance
Importance of surface resistance
Statistics of fractures
Test of fracture
Analysis of the fracture and its application to flat glass and container
Optical Properties
Refractive index
Optical dispersion
Fiber Optics
The color in the glass
Factors that influence the redox equilibrium in the glass
Colloidal Colors
Bleaches
Electrical properties of glasses
Ionic conductors
Electrically conducting
Chemical resistance of glass
Improvement of chemical resistance
Composition of commercial glasses
Compositions of special glasses
Effect of various oxides on the properties of glasses
Phase diagrams of the systems that give rise to glass
Introduction to fusion of the glass : fuel and electric ovens
Refractories for furnaces .
Glass in Civil Engineering
Bibliography
J. E. Shelby - Introduction to Glass Science and Technology - 2nd Edition - RS.C
Teaching methods
The classes will be given by means of slides. In order to exemplify some steps in the production of glassy industrial products, selected movies will be shown. It is also organized a visit in one of the labs of Chemistry Department for the direct observation of glass formation from cooling of melt of cullet. Visits to glass production farms can be planned. The teaching material summarized in slides is available for each student.
Assessment methods and criteria
The evaluation procedure consists of an oral exam where in the first part the candidate can illustrate, with specific insights, one of the topics discussed during the course. After this preliminary part, the different aspects of chemistry and technology of glassy materials will be requested and the knowledge of the new competences covering both the theoretical part and technological issues will be tested.
Other information
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