Method for improving the durability of spontaneous NaF opal glassware

摘要

Spontaneous sodium fluoride opal glassware is treated to improve surface durability against aqueous attack by controlled sodium depletion and subsequent heat consolidation of the glass surface. The method comprises extracting surface sodium ions using water or dilute aqueous acidic solutions and subsequently consolidating by heat the surface to produce a glossy surface without any migration of sodium ions.