Synthesis of large amounts of volatile element-bearing silicate glasses using a two-stage melting process

Pangritz P, Renggli CJ, Berndt J, Rohrbach A, Klemme S

Abstract

The evaporation of volatile and moderately volatile elements from silicate glasses is an important topic in geosciences, environmental, and materials science. Glasses that contain volatile elements are used in a wide range of experimental studies, but the synthesis of volatile bearing glasses at high temperatures as well as the choice of starting materials is challenging. Here we present a new method for the synthesis of 15-20g moderately volatile and volatile element bearing boron-aluminosilicate glasses using a two-stage melting process. Results show that the glasses contain between 7000 and 10000 µg/g Zn, Cu, or Te and ~3000 µg/g S]. In-situ analyses with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron microprobe analysis (EPMA) confirm that all glasses are homogenous for major and trace elements within the analytical uncertainties. In-situ analyses with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron microprobe analysis (EPMA) confirm that all glasses are homogenous for major and trace elements within the analytical uncertainties.