Experimental and theoretical elastic studies on neodymium-doped zinc tellurite glasses

The melt-quenching method was used to synthesize a series of neodymium-doped zinc tellurite glass systems. The ultrasonic velocities, elastic moduli and other elastic parameters of the prepared glasses showed non-linear variations with an increase of Nd2O3 in the glass system. The non-linear variation is associated with the presence of non-bridging and bridging oxygen caused by the network modifier of Nd2O3. Theoretical data sets for the elastic properties of the glass systems were obtained by using the Makishima and Mackenzie theory and the Rocherulle, bond compression and ring deformation models. The values retrieved for the elastic moduli by using the Makishima and Mackenzie, and Rocherulle models are in great agreement with the corresponding experimental data. The recorded bond compression model data for the glass has much higher values for elastic moduli when compared to the corresponding experimental values. Therefore, in this glass system, only the bond compression model is not favoured.