Corrosion of Phosphorus Oxynitride Glasses in Water and Humid Air

Phosphorus oxynitride (PON) glasses, prepared by remelting phosphate glasses in anhydrous ammonia vapor, are more resistant to dissolution in water and corrosion in humid environments than the parent phosphate glasses. The chemical durability of PON glasses is directly related to their nitrogen content. Solution analyses, pH stat titrations, and hydrogen depth profiles suggest that nitrogen improves the durability of phosphate glasses by cross-linking the polymeric phosphate chains in the network structure.