Irradiation-induced toughening of calcium aluminoborosilicate glasses

Methods to improve the fracture toughness and strength of glassy materials are increasingly important for a variety applications that remain limited by restrictions brittleness surface defect propensity. Here, we report on enhancement glass mechanical performance through combination tailored chemistry irradiation post-treatment. Specifically, show both experiments atomistic simulations (crack) initiation resistance as well selected calcium aluminoborosilicate glasses can be significantly improved (by more than 400% in some cases) heavy ion irradiation. The process reorganizes borate subnetwork partial transformation tetrahedral trigonal boron units, which turn also modifies at longer lengths scales, such coarsening distribution loop structures. improvement crack formation growth is ascribed modification medium-range structure less rigid network upon with coordination defects act local reservoirs plasticity allowing bond switching activities dissipate energy deformation. This work therefore highlights new pathway develop damage-resistant materials.