Glass formation tendency in the system SeO2-Ag2O-B2O3

Abstract The glass formation regions in the system SeO 2 -Ag 2 O-B 2 O 3 have been determined using the melt quenching method of evacuated silica ampoules. The structural units forming the amorphous network have been established by IR spectroscopy. The presence of SeO 3 ( ν = 820 cm −1 ; 760–750 cm −1 ), BO 3 ( ν = 1340, 1270 cm −1 ) and BO 4 ( ν = 1050 cm −1 ) units has been confirmed. Crystallization of Ag 2 SeO 3 only has been observed in a wide concentrate region near the glass formation boundary. A model explaining the unsatisfactory glass formation ability in the system investigated has been developed. It has been suggested that Ag + ions are predominantly located near the selenite units, which stimulates the formation of isolated SeO 3 groups. The transformation of BO 3 into BO 4 units is hindered by the absence of free Ag + ions near the borate units.