Glass formation in the system CaO-Al2O3-CaF2

The formation of glass in the system CaO-Al₂O₃-CaF₂ has been investigated in sealed platinum capsules having about one atmosphere pressure of AlF₃ vapour. Transparent colourless glass could be obtained in the low-fluoride moderate-alumina region of the system (Al₂O₃ 35 to 60%, CaF₂ 0 to 20%). With the concentration of CaF₂ exceeding 20% considerable amount of quench crystals of CaF₂ appeared in the glass. Moderate-alumina low-lime melts containing more than 35% CaF₂ occur in an immiscibility zone. At the low-fluoride periphery of the liquid immiscibility zone a small zone of metastable liquid immiscibility has been found. The results of electron microscopic and infra-red spectroscopic studies of a few selected glasses have been analysed in combination with the molar refractivity data to reflect upon the co-ordination characteristics of aluminium in these glasses.