RARE-EARTHS AS MODIFIERS IN OXIDE GLASSES

This chapter discusses the formation, properties, and structures of oxide glasses where rare earth oxides have been added to modify the properties of the glass. Several examples of the effect of rare earth oxide additions on glassforming, behavior in silicate, berate, and germanate systems are presented, The effect of the identity and concentration of the rare earth oxide present on the properties of these glasses is addressed in detail. Properties considered include density, refractive index, thermal expansion behavior, viscosity and glass transformation temperatures, electrical conductivity, chemical durability, and hardness. Studies of the atomistic and morphological structures of these glasses will also be discussed.