Interfacial heterogeneous precipitation of Ag nanoparticles in soda-lime silicate glass for improved toughness and conductivity

The fracture toughness and thermal conductivity of soda-lime glass were enhanced by an interfacial precipitation Ag. Large quantities silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are formed on the surface subsurface layers Ag–Na ion exchanged powders during heat-treatment in H 2 for various times, fully densified subsequent spark plasma sintering (SPS). AgNPs with particle sizes above 50 nm mainly located near interfaces original particles, whereas smaller observed inside particles. Moreover, thickness precipitated Ag layer is seen to increase increasing time. incorporation shown enhance due ductile deformation, crack deflection, bridging. Finally, a maximum 1.14 MPa m 1/2 , 1.20 W −1 K obtained that subjected entire process ion-exchange, heat-treatment, SPS densification.