Strengthening by Ion Exchange

This paper is a brief review of the physical and chemical methods of strengthening glass, in particular that due to the large for small ion exchange resulting from treatment in molten salt at temperatures below the annealing range for the glass. Abrasion of treated glass is shown to reduce markedly the strength of experimental alkali-lime-silica glasses as well as commercial glasses of this and other types. Treated alkali-alumina-silica and alkali-zirconia-silica glasses, however, are less affected by abrasion. Strength after abrasion increases with alumina or zirconia content, reaching 117,000 psi for cane of a 35% alumina glass. The explanation for the aluminum or zirconium effect may involve an unusual ionic environment caused by their presence in the lattice.