Preparation of ternary (35 – x)Sb₂O₃–xBi₂O₃–65P₂O₅ glasses for lead-free glass application

Glasses composed of ternary components (35 – x)Sb₂O₃–xBi₂O₃–65P₂O₅ (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 20 mol%) have been prepared and investigated as a potential alternative to lead-free glass for low temperature applications. Their structural properties were studied by Infrared Spectroscopy IR and Differential Thermal Analysis DTA. Results from the IR showed that Sb³⁺ and Bi³⁺ were responsible for glass network structure, which was supported by the diversification of density ρ and molar volume V_m with an increasing amount of Bi₂O₃. Glass transition temperature T_g, thermal stability, and coefficient of thermal expansion increased after substitution of Bi₂O₃ for Sb₂O₃ within the range of 0 mol% to 20 mol%. The water durability decreased and then increased; it could be attributed to the corrosion resistant P–O–Sb bonds. A typical sample of 25Sb₂O₃–10Bi₂O₃–65P₂O₅ possesses excellent properties and can be a promising candidate for further applications.