Key melt properties for controlled synthesis of glass beads by aerodynamic levitation coupled to laser heating

Binary alkali silicate glasses were synthesized as beads by aerodynamic levitation coupled to laser heating test the applicability of method this compositional range. While bubble-free lithium disilicate could be easily obtained, sodium and potassium silicates proved more challenging melt without significant evaporation: final samples contained bubbles exhibited drifts compared starting stoichiometry, especially at high SiO2 content. The risk volatilization from melts was evaluated empirically: volatility each oxide component scaled ratio between its melting temperature Tm target composition (revap), while difference such ratios (Δevap) provided a qualitative estimation differential evaporation. formulated approach enables evaluate suitability synthesis for given glass composition: low liquidus viscosity (η < 100 Pa s) represent primary optimal conditions, viscous materials can still prepared major using careful procedure, if revap Δevap are minimized.