Characterization of pores arising from spinodal phase separation in quenched sodium borosilicate glasses

Abstract

The characterization of pores arising from spinodal phase separation in quenched sodium borosilicate glasses is investigated. Theory predicts that the wavelength of the initial stage for spinodal phase separation on cooling is ca. 5–10 nm, whereas after acid leaching, the size of the pore based on so-called spinodal decomposition is much smaller with pores formed in quenched sodium borosilicate glass after leaching being of micropore type with radii of <1 nm. The acid leaching model proposed in the present study suggests that the characteristics of the pores in the quenched glass result from the small amplitude of the spinodal decomposition wave on cooling.