The effect of Ag2O doping and crystallization on the properties of lead–vanadate glass

The mechanical and electrical properties of three lead–vanadate glass samples, namely the conventional (regular) lead–vanadate glass, the silver oxide doped variety and the doped glass containing nanocrystalline structures developed on heating have been studied. It is found that the nanostructured ceramic has its mechanical properties enhanced in comparison with those of the conventional or doped glasses. The I–V profiles of the lead–vanadate and the doped glasses manifest ohmic behavior, while a pronounced hysteresis loop is conspicuous in the case of the nanostructured glass sample. The mechanism of conduction in the lead–vanadate glass and the effect of doping with silver oxide as well as the nanocrystalline structure generation have been investigated in detail.