Topological constraint model of modified telluro-vanadate glasses

Abstract

Topological constraint theory has emerged as a rapid, predictive method to quantify the relationship between structural rigidity and glass properties. Understanding the structure of telluro-vanadate (TeO₂–V₂O₅) glasses has remained difficult owing to their complex mixture of structural units. Here, we propose a topological model that accurately captures the glass structure and can be used to predict properties such as glass transition temperature and hardness. The experimentally obtained properties are in agreement with predicted properties by the model suggesting that this simplified structural model accurately describes the V₂O₅–TeO₂ structure.