In modern industry, adding magnesium oxide (MgO) to glass is a common method to reduce the impact of glass devitrification (crystallization). Through careful processing of the glass manufacturing process, the addition of MgO can effectively reduce devitrification, improve the quality, and extend the lifespan of glass products.
MgO can prevent glass devitrification primarily by influencing the glass’s physicochemical structure, reducing the likelihood of crystal nuclei formation. MgO reduces the activation energy of the glass, stabilizes its structure, and thus inhibits the process of crystal nuclei formation. Furthermore, MgO coordinates with other components in the glass, forming stable compounds and slowing down the crystallization rate. These factors combine to effectively reduce the risk of glass devitrification.
In optical glass, the role of MgO is even more significant. It not only improves melting properties, controls hardening speed and devitrification performance, but also enhances mechanical strength, optimizes optical properties, and improves temperature resistance. By adjusting the MgO content, the glass hardening process can be optimized to better suit the needs of high-speed molding, while reducing devitrification and stabilizing the physical properties of the glass. MgO reacts with the silicates in the glass matrix to form a harder crystalline structure, increasing the hardness of the glass and improving its abrasion and scratch resistance. In addition, the addition of MgO can optimize the optical properties of optical glass, such as increasing light transmittance and blocking ultraviolet rays, allowing it to exhibit superior optical performance in applications such as precision optical instruments and high-end displays.
MgO can be used to prevent glass devitrification through the following steps:
- Determine the required amount of MgO to add. In actual processes, factors such as the requirements of the glass product, production batches, and glass composition ratios need to be considered to determine the appropriate amount of MgO to add.
- Add an appropriate amount of MgO to the glass and melt it.
- Add a suitable flux to the molten glass to enhance the melting speed and uniformity of the glass.
- Control the melting temperature, time, and other factors of the glass to ensure that the MgO is fully dispersed and reacts with other components in the glass.