Investigation of the Structure and Influence of Ion-Exchange on the Microhardness of Low-Alkali, Transparent, Gahnite-Based Glass-Ceramics

Transparent glass-ceramic is attracting more and more attention as a material for protecting the screens of electronic devices. The possibility of ionic hardening of transparent gahnite glass-ceramics containing a small amount of Na 2 O is considered. The dependence of the microhardness of gahnite glass-ceramics on ion-exchange treatment regimes was investigated. The structure was investigated by x-ray phase analysis, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and laser-spark emission spectroscopy. It is shown that under certain conditions ionic strengthening of glass-ceramics, even with a low content of alkali ions in the composition, effects higher microhardness.