Fundamental and technological aspects of glass studied by nuclear techniques

Nuclear techniques (Rutherford back-scattering and nuclear reactions) appear very useful in the near surface analysis of glass. These techniques offer a non-destructive method of analysis, with high depth resolution without radiation effects induced by the ion beam. In this paper we present some experimental results concerning the analysis of glass surfaces obtained by different treatments. Initially the water vapour attack kinetics was investigated with the 23Na(p,α)20Ne nuclear reaction. Measurements were performed on three different flat glasses obtained by different industrial processes. Another aspect of particular importance from both scientific and applied viewpoints is the kinetics of the surface reaction and diffusion processes occurring in silicate glasses. In particular the Na+ = K+ interdiffusion has been investigated with the RBS technique at different temperatures in aluminosilicate and borosilicate glasses. Finally, a technological aspect of great interest is connected to the optical properties modification when glasses are covered with different types of coatings. RBS analysis allows helpful information about elemental composition of the coatings and their depth distribution. In many cases it is possible to obtain the stoichiometric composition and the thickness when atomic density is known. (author)