Influence of batch moisture and atmosphere on the melting behavior of As2O3- and Sb2O3-containing glasses

Abstract

Sand-potash-dolomite glass batches with the addition of 2 wt% As2O3 and Sb2O3, respectively, were heated in a gradient furnace. Further parameters were the melting atmosphere (normal air, nitrogen, and air loaded with 30 vol.% H2O, respectively) and the batch moisture content (up to about 10 % H2O). X-ray diffraction showed the nature and sequence of the different phases obtained. In no case arsenic- or antimony-containing reaction products could be detected, however, the decomposition or formation of other compounds, e.g. dolomite and silicates, was influenced strongly. The batch moisture had a stronger impact than the melting atmosphere.