Solid-State Field-Assisted Ion Exchange (Ag → Na) in Soda–Lime Float Glass: Tin Versus Air Side

The application of a DC current allows fast (few minutes) Ag+ → Na+ ion exchange in soda–lime–silicate (SLS) glass. The effect of processing parameters, electric current, and treating time is studied on both air and tin sides of SLS float glass, and non-Fickian diffusion is revealed. It is shown that ion exchange kinetics are similar on both sides and the tempering process results in similar mechanical properties (crack formation probability after Vickers indentation, hardness, and Young's modulus). However, the structure/microstructure of the tin and air sides is hugely different. In particular, clear silver nanoclustering takes place on the tin side, resulting in ≈8 nm metallic particles in the vicinity of the surface. The formation of nanoparticles is also coupled with a deep structural reorganization of the amorphous network and the Q n units. The nanoparticles’ size decreases moving from the surface to the interior of the glass. Silver nanoparticles are also detected on the air side, although their density and size are largely reduced. Whereas the mechanical properties measured on the air and tin side are similar, significative differences are observed in terms of optical properties.