STRUCTURE OF B2O3 GLASS.

The macrostructure was investigated. In the hand-built method, the B//2O//3 glass is assumed to be comprised of boroxol groups and BO//3 units. The radial distribution functions (RDF) calculated using the pair function method are compared with experimental RDF obtained by X-ray measurement. The major part of the glass is made up of boroxol groups. The microstructure was studied by intermediate neglect of differential overlap (INDO) which can take all valence electrons into consideration. The stability of a 3 membered ring with varying B-O bond length and stability of a 4 membered ring with varying interbond angle is discussed. The most preferable B-O-B bond angle was determined.