1. Bond Switching in Densified Oxide Glass Enables Record-High Fracture Toughness
- Author
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Theany To, Morten Mattrup Smedskjær, Mathieu Bauchy, Johan Frederik Schou Christensen, Michal Bockowski, Rasmus Christensen, Søren Strandskov Sørensen, and Lars Rosgaard Jensen
- Subjects
toughening mechanism ,010302 applied physics ,Toughness ,Materials science ,Bond ,Oxide ,High fracture ,bond switching ,02 engineering and technology ,Plasticity ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,01 natural sciences ,Toughening ,molecular dynamics ,fracture toughness ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,oxide glasses ,Fracture toughness ,chemistry ,0103 physical sciences ,Fracture (geology) ,General Materials Science ,Composite material ,0210 nano-technology - Abstract
Humans primarily interact with information technology through glass touch screens, and the world would indeed be unrecognizable without glass. However, the low toughness of oxide glasses continues to be their Achilles heel, limiting both future applications and the possibility to make thinner, more environmentally friendly glasses. Here, we show that with proper control of plasticity mechanisms, record-high values of fracture toughness for transparent bulk oxide glasses can be achieved. Through proper combination of gas-mediated permanent densification and rational composition design, we increase the glasses' propensity for plastic deformation. Specifically, we demonstrate a fracture toughness of an aluminoborate glass (1.4 MPa m0.5) that is twice as high as that of commercial glasses for mobile devices. Atomistic simulations reveal that the densification of the adaptive aluminoborate network increases coordination number changes and bond swapping, ultimately enhancing plasticity and toughness upon fracture. Our findings thus provide general insights into the intrinsic toughening mechanisms of oxide glasses.
- Published
- 2021