The Structure of Some B ₂ O ₃ ‐H ₂ O Glasses

Boron oxide glasses with compositions corresponding to B 2 O 3 , B 2 O 3 .0.42H 2 O, B 2 O 3 .0.50H 2 O, and B 2 O 3 .0.63H 2 ) have been prepared and their structures have been studied. Diffractometric X‐ray scattering measurements have been made, and from these, radial distribution functions have been computed. Comparison of the radial distribution functions indicates that the fundamental triangular coordination characteristic of vitreous B 2 O 3 is maintained in the water‐containing glasses. Consideration of the results of complementary infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance studies along with preliminary results of physical property measurements indicates that the glasses of high water content are heterogeneous. It is probable that disordered regions of high hydrogen bond density, approaching HBO 2 in composition, are embedded in a matrix approximating vitreous B 2 O 3 .