Properties and applications of glass (Glass science and technology)

In this book the author summarizes the present state of knowledge of those physical and chemical properties of glasses that are important as regards their application and manufacture. The nature of these applications is briefly described. The introductory chapter deals with the nature and chemical composition of inorganic glasses, covering such topics as structure, devitrification and phase separation. The main part of the book comprises a group of chapters describing the important physical properties: viscosity, thermal expansion, mechanical strength, refractive index and dispersion, absorption of radiation and electrical properties. The final chapter deals with chemical durability. Most chapters deal briefly with methods of measurement of the property concerned and with the effects of glass composition, temperature, heat treatment, etc. Wherever appropriate, the scientific principles relevant to particular applications are discussed. Sufficient references to the literature are given to enable the reader to follow up in more detail the various topics discussed.