Viscoelastic Deformation Of Fluoride Glass Fibers

Oxide fibers were shown to undergo permanent deformation under a stress of 1.7 G Pa at a temperature 350°C below Tq . Similar experiments were performed on ZBLAN (ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3- AlF3-NaF)glass fibers which have a much lower Tq (268°C) than oxide glasses. These fluorozirconate fibers undergo deformation undeg relatively low stress and at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 100°C. It is suggested that the bending may well be related to the large specific volume of the fibers compared to the bulk glass.