Neutron diffraction investigation of a tellurite-tungstate glass

The short range atomic order of a 20 mol% WO₃-TeO₂ glass has been investigated. The alteration of the stereochemical polyhedra characteristics have been studied and correlation with the model RDF_partial (radial distribution function) and RDF_total for TeO₂ and WO₃ glass has been carried out. A structural interpretation of the influence of the modifier on the P1, P2 and P3 peaks location has also been carried out. A comparison of RDF_partial, and RDF_total, with RDF_exp curve of the glass has been accomplished. Stability of the 0-0 distances (peak P2) has been established as well as a broadening effect at Te-Te, Te-second 0 distances (peak P3). The Te-Te atomic distances are most sensitive towards glass transition. A structural model based on TeO₄, WO₄ and WO₆ polyhedra has been presented.Part of the results in this investigation were reported at a poster session on the XIII International Congress on Glass, Hamburg, 4–9 July 1983.