Surface characterization of sodium silicate glasses after initial water interaction

Abstract The corrosion behavior of sodium silicate glass in water may be understood by clarifying the fundamental processes of interface reactions. We investigated the reaction mechanism of the glass surfaces in contact with water for just an immediate dipping up to 1 h later, using x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Silanol formation due to ion exchange of sodium with hydrogen from water was observed from 0 to 30 s, similar to previously reported molecular dynamics simulations. However, the amount of silanol groups decreased after the formation reaction owing to the dehydration of excess silanol groups generated by the initial reactions, thereby promoting the re‐formation of siloxane networks at the glass surface. The generated siloxane network was relatively stable for 30 min owing to their rather rigid network. The silanol group concentration increased gradually at the surface after 30 min, owing to a deficiency of dissolved sodium ions. Thereafter, the sodium ions attracted to the negatively charged glass surface gradually left the surface, resulting in an increase of silanol groups when the glass–water reaction proceeded. These observations of the glass–water reaction over a short period provide insight for improving the durability of sodium silicate glass products and developing efficient polishing and cleaning procedures for glass fabrication.