Indentation Creep of Hydrated Soda–Lime Silicate Glass Determined by Nanoindentation

Time-dependent deformation behavior was investigated for soda–lime silicate glass with various water contents, using a nanoindentation technique. The complete indentation curve, loading and unloading part, is analyzed. It is shown that this deformation behavior may be represented in terms of a simple mechanical model analogous to a viscoelastic system. Values for Young's modulus were derived, a retardation spectrum was deduced, and apparent viscosity values were calculated. Structural rearrangements of the glass appear to be responsible for the observed changes of the viscoelastic properties. Water in the glass reduces Young's modulus and yield stress and thus promotes viscous flow.