Enhancement of optical and mechanical properties of sodium silicate glasses using zirconia

Ternary glass system with the composition of 50Na(2)O-(50-x) SiO2-xZrO(2), (0 <= x <= 20 mol %) has been prepared by melt quenching method. The structure changes of these glasses are studied by FT-IR spectra. The mechanical properties have been related to the results of FT-IR spectra. X-ray diffractograms showing the amorphous nature of these glasses. The mechanical properties of these glasses are studied and their elastic-moduli have been estimated. It was noted that the elastic-moduli, density and some physical properties of these samples are increased. Optical feature spectra are recorded at room temperature. The dispersion parameters as refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k) are determined in the wavelength range of 300-2500 nm. Energy band gap and Urbach energy with indirect allowed transitions are estimated using Tauc model. The dielectric constant in term of real and imaginary parts are investigated. Other physical parameters like skin depth, cut-off wavelength, dissipation factor, optical and electrical conductivities are calculated as well.