Enhancement the crystallization and electro-magnetic properties of BaO-Al2O3-B2O3 glass ceramics doped with Nd2O3-rare earth

In the present study, a novel glass system containing Neodymium(III) oxide with BaO, Al2O3, and B2O3 were created via a popular melt-quenching technique. Nd2O3 were added, in different concentrations, instead of B2O3 to study its impact on the crystallization, and electro-magnetic behaviors of the prepared poly-crystalline materials. Thermal characteristics via DTA, XRD and SEM techniques were involved to explore the crystallization and structural properties. The magnetic parameters of the prepared glass-ceramics were studied by VSM measurements. As well the electric properties were also explored. BaB2O4 and Al(BO3) phases were firstly crystallized then Ba3Nd(BO3)3 phase was incompletely precipitated instead of BaB2O4 phase owing to Nd2O3 additions. As well, the internal structure was modified from coarse crystals to fine grain microstructure. The crystallization study proved that the addition of neodymium improved the crystallization process of the BaO-Al2O3-B2O3 glass system. The VSM and conductivity analysis for the crystalline materials proved that the Nd2O3/B2O3 substitutions led to an increase in the electrical and magnetic parameters of the investigated materials. The data obtained from the prepared crystalline specimen showed that these materials are with a distinct and promising ferro-electrical property for use in diverse modern applications.

Formulation and characterization of glass-ceramics based on Na2Ca2Si3O9-Ca5(PO4)3F-Mg2SiO4-system in relation to their biological activity

Glasses having a chemical composition based on combeite [Na(2)Ca(2)Si(3)O(9)]-fluoroapatite [Ca(5)(PO(4))(3)F] and forsterite [Mg(2)SiO(4)] system were crystallized through controlled heat-treatment. Two forms of sodium calcium silicate e.g. combeite Na(2)Ca(2)Si(3)O(9) and pectolite Na(2)CaSi(3)O(8), were formed together with diopside (CaMgSi(2)O(6)) and monticellite (CaMgSiO(4)) in addition to fluoroapatite (Ca(5)(PO(4))(3)F) phases by thermal treatment of the glasses. Selected glass-ceramics were exposed to a simulated body fluid solution (SBF) which is close to human plasma for 3 weeks. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and inductive coupled plasma (ICP) analysis confirmed the formation of an apatite layer which indicate bioactivity in the all crystallized sample. A decreasing of surface bioactivity with increasing Mg(2)SiO(4)/Na(2)Ca(2)Si(3)O(9) replacement was observed as indicated by the decrease in the amount of apatite layer on the surface of the crystallized specimens. The Vicker's microhardness of the studied glass-ceramic materials are between 5,047 and 6,781 MPa.