Investigations of corrosion processes on cleavage edges of potash-lime silica glasses by Atomic Force Microscopy

Corrosion phenomena on surfaces of potash-lime-silica glass with medieval composition have been imaged in-situ using AFM in combination with a home built sample holder and a commercial liquid cell. Measurements under ambient atmosphere lead to pit corrosion. Sample preparation and measurement performed under liquids such as isobutanol inhibit the corrosion process. Addition of water (10 vol%) induces the formation of a leached layer, where the network modifiers such as K and Ca are exchanged by hydrogen-bearing species. During the measurements interactions of the tip with the sample surface have been observed.