Phase separation and controlled crystallization of non-oxide glasses

This paper reviews the experimental results associated with the phase separation and controlled crystallization of non-oxide glasses, mainly chalcogenide glasses and ZrF₄-based fluoride glasses. Experiments demonstrate that the phase separation is not always the precursor of the glass-ceramic process. It has been found that some non-oxide glasses could be converted into glass ceramics without phase separation. Different mechanisms of controlled crystallization of non-oxide glasses are discussed.