Formation and spectral properties of silver clusters in sintered glass composites

Thermally induced diffusion of neutral silver and silver cations in sintering glass composites is investigated, with particular attention being given to ion-exchange process with float glass substrate. The aim of this study was to identify the main mechanism of high-temperature discoloration of black glass enamel with silver overprint. Numerical simulations of ion-exchange (silver and sodium ions) process provide an explanation for the observed anomalous silver concentration profile and the particle distribution near the glass interfaces. Numerical simulations of the reflectance spectra are in agreement with experimental observations.