Local structure, microstructure and glass properties

X-ray small angle scattering measurements on silicate and berate glasses are described and the contrasting effects of inhomogeneities such as density fluctuations and alkali microsegregation are discussed. The consequences of microstructure for ionic diffusion, the mixed alkali effect (MAE), thermal expansion, glass fracture and polishing are considered, making use of some recent results of molecular dynamic simulations and oxygen X-ray absorption fine structure measurements. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.