Structural analysis of novel oxyfluoroborate glasses: Correlation between elastic and compositional parameters

Novel oxyfluoroborate glasses with the composition 20CaF2–xZnO–(80–x)B2O3 with x=5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35mol% are prepared. The physical and mechanical properties like density, molar volume, longitudinal and shear ultrasonic velocities, longitudinal and shear moduli, Young's and bulk moduli and Poisson's ratio of these glasses are determined experimentally. The Young's and bulk moduli are also determined theoretically using Makishima–Mackenzie model and a close agreement between the experimental and theoretical values is observed. With the increase in the concentration of ZnO from 0 to 15mol%, all the elastic properties and density increased indicating the conversion of BO3 to BO4 units in the glasses under study. [Display omitted] ► This paper presents the research findings of CaF2–ZnO–B2O3 glasses. ► Makishima–Mackenzie model is used to evaluate the elastic constants of the glasses. ► Close agreement between theoretical and experimental elastic properties is observed. ► Elastic properties are correlated with the structure of the glasses.