Mixed alkaline earth modifiers effect on thermal, optical and structural properties of SrO-BaO-SiO2-B2O3-ZrO2 glass sealants

Abstract Composition of (40-x)SrO-(x)BaO-45SiO2-10B2O3-5ZrO2 (x=0,10,20,30 and 40 mol%) are synthesized by melt quench technique. The as prepared samples are characterized using various experimental techniques to study their structural, optical (insulating) and thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) to check their suitability as glass sealants. Alkaline earth mixed modifier effect is observed on all the properties. However, it is more pronounced when SrO/BaO modifiers ratio is approached to 1 in the present glasses. All glasses exhibit optical band gap in moderate insulating range viz. 3.2-3.8eV. TEC of as prepared glasses is also in required range of SOFC sealants except glass having x=20 mol% (SB-20). Softening temperature of all the glasses is higher than 700°C except this glass. Based on present study, glass having x=10 mol% (SB-10) could be suitable as a sealant for intermediate temperature (600-800°C) solid oxide fuel cell.