Mechanical properties of Nd3+-doped phosphate laser glasses

Abstract

The mechanical properties of P2O5+K2O+BaO+Al2O3+Nd2O3 (PKBANd) glasses were studied using the Vickers indentation technique. The values of Vickers hardness, fracture toughness and brittleness of the glass samples were evaluated. The surface morphology of the indentations were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. An increase in Vickers hardness, fracture toughness and decrease in brittleness were observed with an increase in Nd2O3 concentration in the phosphate glass matrix. A decrease in the brittleness of the synthesized glass samples was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy of median/radial cracks generated due to Vickers indentation pattern with increase in Nd2O3 concentration.