Learning objectives
It is required an adequate understanding which will be based on the
theoretical background acquired in the first cycle to extend its expertise
in applying new approaches of critical analysis. The
candidates must have the capacity to address the issues in a
multidisciplinary way with particular attention to the relationship between
composition, physical, chemical and mechanical properties of inorganic glass.
It will be evaluated the ability to clearly communicate the issues addressed
during the course and to be able to correlate the various topics. It is
needed to demonstrate the mastering and the proper planning of the
study. It is positively evaluated the ability to update themes by consulting
the specific scientific publications. (Learning Skills). It is necessary to
demonstrate a mature skillness in organizing the study with the
formulation of original and individual assessments based on the arguments introduced in the course.
Course unit content
Crystallization and glass transition. glass definition. glass transition Tg. Thermodynamic parameters of the glass transition. Transitions of the
second order;
Description of the glass structure, Theoretical models: Parameter of Goldsmidth, Model of Zachariesen, Q parameter and connectivity. Theory of Dietzel, Lebedev model, boron glass (structural anomalies in the properties).
Crystallization in the glass; homogeneous, heterogeneous and epitaxial growth. Nucleation and growth rate of crystallization, the Tamman
diagram. Kinetics of formation of TTT diagrams glasses. Liquid-liquid immiscibility. Models of Bernal, Frenkel and Stewards,
termodinamics of spinodal decomposition, binodale mode of immiscibility. Comparison between spinodal decomposition and
nucleation. Phase diagrams (Na2O CaO-SiO2-Na2O-SiO2 and others) Vycor and Pyrex glass.
Glass production methods: sol-gel and melt synthesis: raw materials, gravimetric factor, solid state reactions, decomposition, fining
agents. coloring agents SCHOTT catalogue.
Glass ceramics; controlled crystallization, pyroceram, Macor, glass-ceramic applications.
Properties of glasses. Pseudoelestico viscosity behavior, equation of Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman. Dependence on the viscosity by temp. and its
technological relevance. Viscosity and composition. Methods to determine the viscosity. Thermal expansion of Winkelman-Schott model.
Density of glass electrical properties, and ionic conductivity dependence on composition.
Mechanical properties of surface cracks glass, analysis of cracks for chemical bath, Young's modulus, thermal and chemical processes of
tempering.
Optical properties of the silica glass, the transmission spectrum. Refractive index and its dependence on composition. molar
rifrectivity, reflection, dispersion. chromatic aberration, Abbe Number, flint and crown glass. Refractometer V-block. Opals
Chalcogenide glasses, structure, composition, synthesis processes, applications and properties.
Optical fibers, different types of optical fibers, production techniques.
Bioactive glasses, glassware 45S5. Metal glasses and their mechanical properties,
Industrial processes for the production of glass products. Different types of furnaces and melting and
refining stages. forming and annealing processes. Defects in glassy
products; ropes, bubbles, crystalline inclusions,
Bibliography
Introduction to Glass Science and Technology. by J. E. Shelby
Royal Society of Chemistry
Fundamentals of Inorganic Glasses
Author: Arun Varshneya
Teaching methods
Teaching will be carried out through frontal lessons in English
classroom with the aid of slides that represent teaching material,
in addition to the recommended text. The slides will be available online via
the Elly portal in pdf format for students. Lessons will be held
illustrating the concepts summarized in the slides also regarding the
glass chemistry and technological applications. To give a clear
explanation of some phases of the industrial production of glass products,
some videos will be presented.
Assessment methods and criteria
The evaluation procedure consists of an oral test that is composed by two
main phases: the first involves the dissertation of a subject chosen by the
student. The topic can be any of the various chapters in the course (from
theory to application) and exposure can only be based on the provided
teaching material. Otherwise, the student can get a more detailed
knowledge of the subject with additional material found by bibliographic
research. This last indication is not mandatory but the student's faculty
on the basis of his / her degree of interest in the subject chosen may lead
to further elements that could only have been mentioned in lesson. In the
second phase, the teacher will ask questions concerning the rest of the
program for testing the knowledge of the various aspects detailed in the course by exploring the acquired
skills both for the theoretical part and for the technological part. In
particular, it is a matter of evaluation of the candidate's ability to expose
the arguments using correct terminology and to be able to assume
specific knowledge independently.
