Infrared spectra of sodium phosphate glasses

Infrared absorption spectra of sodium phosphate glasses, Na2O = 30-50 mol%, have been studied in the region of 400-2000 cm-1. Spectra were analyzed to determine the relative intensity of the IR bands responsible for the different phosphate units. Spectral analyses has shown that the substitution of P2O5 by Na2O influences the intermediate range order of the glass matrix. Increasing Na2O content leads to a gradual degradation of the phosphate ring type structures, with consequent depolymerization causing compaction of the glass matrix. Analyses of IR spectra illustrates the reorganization effects of Na2O in the phosphate matrix. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.