In their research study they plan to: (1) continue a vigorous program of borate glass formation over an extremely wide range of compositions. High cooling rates using a roller-quencher will be employed to form glasses out to 75 molar percent metal oxide. Systems to be studied include rubidium and cesium borates, mixed alkali borates, borosilicates, and alkaline earth borates. (2) make density measurements on the resulting glasses from step 1. After securing the density data, quantitative connections with atomic arrangements will be sought as was done with lithium, sodium, and potassium borates. and (3) begin a study of glass transition temperatures using a newly acquired Perkin Elmer Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC2). High alkali content borate glasses will be studied and the results will be quantitatively related to atomic groupings.
