MODULATION OF STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES IN Li₂O-Al₂O₃-B₂O₃ GLASS-CERAMICS THROUGH TiO₂ AND P₂O₅ ADDITIVES

Aluminoborate glass is known for its high resistance to crack propagation. However, its relatively low hardness limits its broader application in cover glass technologies. In this study, an Li₂O-Al₂O₃-B₂O₃ (LAB) parent glass was prepared via melt-casting and subjected to a crystallisation treatment at 575 °C for 1 h. The effects of varying the TiO₂/P₂O₅ nucleating agent ratios on the microstructure, visible light transmittance, Vickers hardness, and scratch resistance of both the parent glass and the resulting glass-ceramics were systematically investigated. The experimental results revealed that under identical heat treatment conditions, the Li(Al7B4O17) crystalline phase was successfully precipitated from the parent glass. When the TiO₂/P₂O₅ ratio was 1, the composite nucleating agent exhibited the strongest ability to promote crystallisation in the glass. The resulting LAB glass-ceramic exhibited well-arranged, densely packed crystalline grains with sizes ranging from 20 to 30 nm. The sample achieved a visible light transmittance of 79.5%, a hardness of 6.51 GPa, and a CR value of 13.38 N, indicating superior scratch resistance. These properties suggest the potential application of this glass-ceramic in cover glass technologies.