Mechanical and structural properties of phosphate glasses

Mechanical and structural properties of sodium (NAFP) and zinc (ZAFP) iron–aluminum–phosphate bulk glass and fibers have been investigated. Young's modulus of the fibers was measured by a three-point bending method while the strength was measured by a two-point bending method. In general, the tensile strength of the ZAFP fibers (4.2–7.2 GPa) was higher than the tensile strength of the NAFP fibers (2.8–4.2 GPa). After exposing the fibers to air for 10 days, the strength decreased by 15–34%. The structure of bulk glass as well as fibers, studied by Mössbauer and IR spectroscopy, was very similar for all the compositions studied.