OBJECTIVEGlass is the weak phase in the glass-alumina composite, and it plays a key role in determining the physical, mechanical and optical properties. The purpose of this study was to explore the fabrication arts of GI-II tinted infiltration glass and determine its properties.

METHODSThe thermal properties of the glass were tested on a TMA2940 thermal analyzer with heating rate of 5 degrees C/min and temperature range of 25-750 degrees C. The bar-shaped specimens were prepared with the size of 25 mm x 5 mm x 2 mm and their flexural strengths and elastic modulus with 3-point bending test were measured. The Vicker's hardness and indentation fracture toughness were also determined. The refractive index and changes of chemical constituents were tested by means of V prismatic refractometer and 2910 DTA analyzer.

RESULTSThe results showed that the thermal expansion coefficient, Tg and Tf, refractive index, 3-point bending flexural strength, bending elastic modulus, Vicker's hardness, indentation fracture toughness and density were 6.997 x 10(-6) degrees C-1 (25-500 degrees C), 635 degrees C and 650 degrees C, 1.64 MPa, 96.27 MPa, 31.16 GPa, 5.534 GPa, 1.05 MN.m1/2, and 3.214 g/cm3 respectively. Though certain heat processing conditions did result in micro-crystalline in the glass, it remained stable under routine glass infiltration firing cycles.

CONCLUSIONGI-II tinted infiltration glass had favorable physical, mechanical properties and good thermal stability.