Hydration of silicate glasses in aqueous solutions

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for hydrating fine- dimensioned alkali metal-containing silicate glass bodies so as to impart the property of thermoplasticity thereto. More particularly, this invention contemplates contacting fine-dimensioned alkali metal silicate glass bodies with an aqueous solution at elevated temperatures and pressures to develop at least a surface layer thereon having a water content ranging up to about 36% by weight, said aqueous solution having a pH less than 6 as measured at room temperature. The hydrated bodies can approach certain properties of high-polymer organic plastics and exhibit the capability of being thermoplastically formed at relatively low temperatures.