Characterization and Physical Properties of PbO-As2O3 Glasses Containing Molybdenum Ions

PbO-As₂O₃ glasses containing different concentrations of MoO₃ ranging from 0 to 1 mol% (in steps of 0.2) were prepared. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy. A number of studies, viz., optical absorption, magnetic susceptibilities, ESR spectra, IR spectra, elastic properties (Young's modulus E, shear modulus G and microhardness H) and dielectric properties (constant ε, loss tan δ, a.c. conductivity σ_ac over a range of frequency and temperature and breakdown strength), have been carried out on these glasses. Optical absorption, ESR and magnetic susceptibility measurements suggest that when MoO₃ concentration is greater than 0.4 mol% in the glass matrix, molybdenum ions exist in Mo⁵⁺ state with Mo(V)O⁻₃ complexes that act as modifiers in addition to Mo⁶⁺ state with MoO₄ and MoO₆ structural groups. The studies on elastic and dielectric properties indicate that the mechanical and insulating strengths of the glass are considerably high when the content of MoO₃ is about 0.4 mol% in the glass matrix.