Ion-exchange enhancement of borosilicate glass vials for pharmaceutical packaging
A single ion exchange treatment in a salt bath of molten KNO3 at temperatures of 400, 450 and 500°C for 2, 12 and 24 h. The effects of the ion exchange process performed under different conditions were assessed by measuring Vickers hardness, crushing load, and chemical durability. No radial cracks were observed on the surface of treated glass vials after indentation, indicating the presence of compressive stresses that prevented the initiation and propagation of cracks. The EDS analysis confirmed an increase in potassium concentration and a decrease in sodium content near the surface of samples modified by ion exchange treatment. The treated samples showed appropriate chemical stability in different acidic, basic and neutral solutions.
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