Infrared-Transmitting Glasses in the System K2O-Sb2O3-Sb2S3

Glasses were discovered in the system K₂O-Sb₂O₃b₃ Raw materials used in the preparation of these glasses were potassium pyroantimonate, potassium hydroxide, potassium nitrate, antimony oxide, and antimony trisulfide. Details of the methods of preparing the glasses and the compositions investigated are given. A glass, prepared by melting a mixture of potassium pyroantimonate and antimony trisulfide in air, was investigated in some detail. It was found to have an average infrared transmission of 42% in the range 2 to 7 μ. The glass annealed at about 150°C. and softened at about 230°C. Its coefficient of linear thermal expansion, in the range 240° to 200°C., was 20 × 10^?6 per °C. The glass had a specific gravity of 3.94, a modulus of elasticity of about 5 × 10⁶lb. per sq. in., a Knoop hardness of about 135, and was highly resistant to attack by atmospheric moisture.