Glasses in the La2S3-Ga2S3-Sm2S3 system:: Synthesis and physicochemical characterization

The glass formation boundaries in the La2S3-Ga2S3-Sm2S3 system have been determined using physicochemical methods (DTA, thermogravimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, and microstructure examination). The thermal stability and IR spectra of newly synthesized phases have been studied. Glasses of composition (Ga2S3)(0.60) (La2S3)(0.20) (Sm2S3)(0.20) at 865 K are stable in atmospheric oxygen. The IR spectra of binary and ternary glasses are practically identical. The IR bands associated with M-S vibrations in the glasses have higher intensities and appear at higher frequencies than the same bands in the spectra of the crystalline components, which is likely due to the strengthened covalence of the M-S bonds in the glasses.