SURFACE FILM FORMATION OF E GLASS.

As part of a program concerned with the influence of surface properties of glass on the behavior of reinforced plastics, a report is made on the formation of films on the surface of E glass on exposure to Oxalic acid solutions. No such films were observed with 994 glass treated under identical conditions. As is well known, both of these glasses are employed in the production of glass reinforced plastic. Evidence is provided that the film is associated with the Ca+2 ions in E glass. Experiments indicate that this ion is deficient in the surface of E glass. Thus fractured E glass exhibits much more rapid film formation than the native surface. Moreover, prior removal of the native surface on treatment with NaOH solution also results in more rapid film formation. (Author)