Influence of Eu³⁺ Ions on Elastic Moduli and Microhardness of Zinc-boro-soda-lime-silica Glass System

This study focuses on zinc-boro-soda-lime-silica (ZnO − B₂O₃ − SLS) glasses produced through fast-cooling melt-quenching. The influence of Eu³⁺ ions on glass properties is explored. As Eu³⁺ concentration rises, bulk density and molar volume increase from 3.423 to 3.484 g/cm³ and 21.760 to 23.768 cm³/mol, respectively. X-ray diffraction indicates amorphous phase dominance supported by glassy surface morphology. Ultrasonic measurements show the increasing and decreasing trend for ultrasonic velocities and elastic moduli with increasing Eu³⁺ concentration. Poisson’s ratio of the samples signifies their low cross-link density behavior. Moreover, the ZBS-3Eu presents the highest microhardness value of 4.776 GPa. The sample’s fractal bond connectivity varies from 1.814 to 2.051, suggesting a 2D structure. Likewise, the ZBS-3Eu glass sample exhibits the most rigidity attributed to its highest f_g value of 0.075. These findings suggest that ZBS-3Eu has the potential for applications requiring high-strength glass.