Reaction of water with glass: influence of a transformed surface layer

Abstract

Profiles of hydrogen and glass constituents were measured by nuclear reaction techniques in a number of silicate glasses after hydration. The results were interpreted in terms of interdiffusion of alkali and hydronium ions, including the possibility of a transformed surface layer. Durable glasses such as a commercial soda-lime and caesium-alkali-lime glasses did not have a transformed layer, whereas less durable glasses, such as a soda-lime without alumina and a sodium-potassium-lime, did have a transformed surface layer. When a transformed layer is incorporated in the interdiffusion model, the diffusion coefficient of sodium calculated is the same as found in the dry glass.