CdO-modified sodium silicate glass-ceramics with compositions xCdO + (100−x) ( Na 2 O + SiO 2 ) (where x = 0–16 mol%) were prepared using the conventional melt-quenching technique followed by controlled heat treatment. The structural, physical, and optical characteristics of the produced samples were systematically examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), density measurements, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The XRD patterns indicated the development of crystalline phases within the glass matrix after heat treatment, confirming the successful formation of glass-ceramic structures. FTIR spectra revealed noticeable changes in the silicate network associated with the generation of non-bridging oxygen groups due to CdO incorporation. The density of the samples increased progressively with increasing CdO content, while the molar volume showed a slight reduction, suggesting a more compact glass structure. Optical measurements demonstrated a gradual decrease in the optical band gap from 3.72 to 3.51 eV, whereas the refractive index increased from 2.226 to 2.272 as the CdO concentration increased. These variations are attributed to the enhanced electronic polarizability of Cd 2+ ions and the structural rearrangement occurring within the glass network. Overall, the results indicate that CdO addition plays a significant role in modifying the structural and optical behavior of sodium silicate glass-ceramics, highlighting their potential suitability for advanced architectural glass applications that require controlled optical properties and high structural stability.
Abumelha et al. (Wed,) studied this question.