Physical and optical properties of barium-based glass doped with Nd³⁺ prepared from Thai raw materials

Abstract

Barium-based glasses have been fabricated from local resources of quartz sand from Tak Province and barite from Loei Province, (north and northeastern Thailand, respectively) using a conventional method. Nd2O3 were doped in different concentration as colorants for adding of commercial value. The density, refractive index, dielectric constant, and absorption of glasses have been measured. It has been found that the density, refractive index, and dielectric constant increased with the increase in concentration of Nd2O3. The colors of glass samples have been changed from colorless to lavender (light violet) when the concentration of Nd2O3 increases. The optical absorption indicates the presence of Nd3+ in glass matrix. The results show that barium-based glass is one of the suitable candidates for lead-free glass. This type of glass can be regarded as eco-friendly-gem-simulant material for production of glass jewelry.