Study of phosphate glasses containing iron, sodium and chromium : 30Fe2O3–3Cr2O3–12Na2O–55P2O5

In this research work, the authors devoted their efforts to study the physical and chemical properties of the glassy systm 30Fe2O3–3Cr2O3–12Na2O–55P2O5. The bulk glassy sample were prepared using the known melt quenching method. X-ray diffraction examination showed that sample was deposited in the amorphous state, where no discrete sharp diffraction peaks were formed. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy exhibited also that there is a good agreement between the experimental results and the selected elemental composition ratios for obtaind sample. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) have provided good information on the correlation between the chemical composition of the sample and its characteristic parameters. It reflect a good mechanical, chemical and thermal resistance, a strengthening of the glass network explained by the formation of P – O – Cr bonds, as well as a good thermal stability. The structural analysis has been performed using FTIR techniques and RAMAN spectroscopy. The hyperfine parameters from the Mössbauer spectrum indicates that iron mainly exists as Fe3+ ions and in octahedral coordination. The proportion of transition oxides in the studied glass ensure the glass thermal stability, the relatively low melting temperature, and a high chemical durability, with potential application in nuclear waste immobilization. [Display omitted] •Elaboration of material samples.•Experimental methods for developing new materials.•Characterization by several techniques.•Determination of the glass properties.