Self-Diffusion Processes in Oxide Glasses

Self-diffusion of network modifiers, especially those of the alkali ions, gives insight into the mobility within the glassy network; self-diffusion of network formers and of oxygen sheds light on the stability of the glass structure itself. Self-diffusion processes can be measured with the help of radioactive or stable isotopes. The process of self-diffusion is of fundamental importance in understanding more complex chemical diffusion processes in glasses.