In-situ synchrotron microtomography reveals multiple reaction pathways during soda-lime glass synthesis

TL;DR

This study uses ultrafast synchrotron microtomography to observe real-time, in-situ reactions during soda-lime glass synthesis, revealing unexpected grain rearrangements and multiple reaction pathways that influence defect formation.

Contribution

It introduces in-situ synchrotron microtomography to visualize multiple reaction pathways during glass formation, uncovering previously unknown solid-state reactions.

Findings

Rearrangements of grains occur below the eutectic temperature.

Multiple distinct solid-state reactions are observed at different intergranular contacts.

Reactions significantly affect liquid formation and defect development.

Abstract

Ultrafast synchrotron microtomography has been used to study in-situ and in real time the initial stages of silicate glass melt formation from crystalline granular raw materials. Significant and unexpected rearrangements of grains occur below the nominal eutectic temperature, and several drastically different solid-state reactions are observed to take place at different types of intergranular contacts. These reactions have a profound influence on the formation and the composition of the liquids produced, and control the formation of defects.