Effects of treatment with fluorinating agents on the composition and surface structure of soda-lime glasses

Abstract An interpretation is offered for the increased chemical resistance of glass surfaces upon treatment with SiF 4 /H 2 O gaseous mixtures. Scanning electron microscopy examinations of the morphology and evolution of the surface structure, the surface sodium concentration profile as revealed by a nuclear reaction and ion release experiments support the formation of a very adherent amorphous silica layer - still transparent at the earlier stages of treatment - which fits well all experimental findings.