chemical properties

Lavoisier (1748-1794) evidenced that glasses can be altered by aqueous solutions.

The alteration strongly depends on composition and on the nature of surrounding solution (a standard glass does not stand up to hydrofluoric acid). In most cases the alteration rate is very slow at room temperature. Alteration is close to that of cristal.

The glass corrosion versus an aqueous solution is characterized by :

• the initial maximum rate of alteration (Vo)
• the saturated concentration corresponding to a balance between the solution and the glass and the residual rate of alteration.