Role of Bi2O3 content on physical, optical and vibrational studies in Bi2O3-ZnO-B2O3 glasses

Glasses with composition (85-x)Bi2O3-xZnO-15B(2)O(3) with 15 <= x <= 40 have been prepared by conventional melt quench technique. Systematic variation in density and molar volume in these glasses indicates the effect of Bi2O3 on the glass structure. The parameters glass transition temperature (T-g), change in the transition temperature (Delta T-g) and specific heat capacity difference (Delta C-p) in the glass transition range were measured. The values of optical band gap and theoretical optical basicity are also reported. Raman and infrared studies have been employed on these glasses in order to obtain information regarding the competitive role of Bi2O3 in the formation of glass network. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.