Influence of Transition Metals on the Development of Semiconducting and Low Thermal Expansion TiO2-Borosilicate Glasses and Glass Ceramics

Abstract

AbstractThis current investigation represents as well as discusses in detail the characterization of the thermal, mechanical, as well as electrical characteristics of titanium-based borosilicate glasses doped transition metal ions (3d) in addition to their corresponding glass–ceramics. The building structural units of the as-prepared glasses together with their glass – ceramic were characterized by the FTIR technique. FTIR spectra reveal characteristic silicate and borate groups vibrations, some of the TiO4 units are formed beside (TiO6) groups. The progressive enhancement in microhardness and thermal expansion values was recorded for glass – ceramic state that occurred as a result of the crystallization of nano-sized crystals throughout the glass matrix. The estimated electrical parameters which include permittivity (ε'), dielectric loss (ε''), AC conductivity (σac) capacitance (C), and dielectric loss demonstrated a distinctive variation in their values in accordance with the type of transition metal and /or the applied frequency. The prepared glass–ceramic was found to be suitable for use in electronics and solar cell applications based on its overall thermal and electrical properties.