Ceramics-Silikáty 50 (1) 44-50 (2006)

Weathering of the crystal glass in moist and polluted atmospheres

M. Rebroš, M. Jamnický, J. Lokaj, M. Kadlečíková

The weathering of commercially available crystal glasses (PbO and BaO containing glasses) was investigated under conditions, in which relative humidity was about 53 % or 97 % and pollutant i.e.CO₂ or SO₂ concentrations were as in normal atmo-sphere or increased by approx. 1 vol.%. The influence of cyclic temperature changes on weathering of the glass samples was also investigated. After exposure surfaces of these glass samples were studied by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray microanalyses and Raman spectroscopy. During the above experimental conditions of weathering, solid products formed on the glass surfaces. Their chemical composition and structure significantly depend on the type of crystal glass as well as on environmental composition used during weathering tests. It was found that larger solids or crystalline aggregates usually consist of various sulphates and carbonates (e.g. CaCO₃, K₂CO₃, BaSO₄, and K₂SO₄).

Keywords: Table crystal glassware, Weathering, Polluted atmosphere, Raman spectroscopy