摘要 |
A process for strengthening a glass object by chemical reaction at the glass surface of the object between the glass and a chemical strengthening agent reactive with the glass to alter its composition and thereby either directly generate compressive stress therein or reduce the thermal expansion coefficient thereof. The object is kinetically contacted with the chemical strengthening agent in a bed comprising gas-fluidized particulate solid material under conditions of temperature and active fluidization such that the reaction proceeds but the formation of either stress-concentrating surface defects or an adherent coating of solid material on the surface of the object is substantially avoided. The object is maintained in the bed for a time sufficient for the reaction to alter the composition of a marginal stratum of the object adjacent the surface. The object is thereafter cooled, producing an object of increased strength and toughness having the marginal stratum under compressive stress.
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