Crystallization of Li-Si-O-N oxynitride glasses

Effects of nitrogen incorporation on the crystallization of a 3OLi2O · 70SiO2 glass have been studied in terms of the glass transition and crystallization temperatures, nucleation mechanism and precipitated crystalline phases. Glass transition and crystallization temperatures rise with increasing nitrogen content. Bulk crystallization is dominant in these oxinitride glasses. Precipitated crystallization phases and their relative amounts vary with nitrogen content. The experimental results are discussed assuming the formation of an [((-O-)3Si-)3N] unit and its evolution to an [SiON3] unit in the residual glassy phase during the crystal growth.