Tuning Crystallization, Strength, and Luminescence Property of CuO Modified Sodium-Phosphate Glasses

This study explores the role of CuO on the theoretical mechanical properties and crystallisation kinetics of glasses with the composition 45P2O5-(55-x)Na2O-xCuO (where x = 0, 1, 3, and 5 mol%). To assess the mechanical properties, elastic moduli are calculated using two theoretical models: Makishima-Mackenzie and Rocherulle. For crystallisation kinetics, activation energy (Ec) is determined using the Kissinger model and the Augis-Bennett model. The replacement of Na2O with CuO weakens the glass network, making the NC-5 glass network less rigid. Among the samples, the NC-0 glass exhibits the highest activation energy (Ec) for crystallisation, while the NC-5 glass has the lowest. The CIE coordinates show that the emission spectra lie in the greenish-blue region of glasses. The colour purity of x=5 glass is 34.97%, which is a closer approximation to pure white light emission. This study indicates that the glass material can be a promising candidate for photonics applications.