Thermal analysis of RbI crystallization in the GeSe2–Sb2Se3–RbI system

The crystallization of glasses in the GeSe2–Sb2Se3–RbI system has been studied by using differential scanning calorimeter. Thermodynamic study has permitted to determine the best nucleation time and temperature for the 60GeSe2–30Sb2Se3–10RbI glass composition. RbI crystals with controllable size were reproducibly and homogeneously generated in the glassy matrix with appropriate annealing times and temperatures. Mechanical properties and resistance to thermal shocks of glasses and transparent glass–ceramics were investigated.