I need some examples in order to run my project about controll-released fertilizer, based on borosilicate glass system. I want to know, how to make the system unstable.
Borosilicate glass is sold under such trade names as Simax, Suprax, Kimax, Pyrex, Endural, Schott, or Refmex.
Pyrex, Bomex, Duran, TGI and Simax all refer to borosilicate glass when discussing laboratory glassware.
The essential components of a borosilicate glass are boron oxide B2O3 and silicon dioxide SiO2. Commercial BS glasses are usually about 80 Silica, 15 boria and small amounts of sodium, aluminum and calcium. Zinc is sometimes added to decrease solubility of the the glass. B2O3 and SiO2 are both "network formers" and will make a glass when they are pure. network modifiers typically extend the workablilty of a glass and provide properties such as lower melting point, hardness or optical quality. Additions of monovalent cations such as lithium, sodium or potassium will weaken the network. Additions of calcium and aluminum will also modify properties. If you want a glass with high water solubility you might consider something based on sodium silicate (waterglass). Boron may be an undesirable element to add to a fertilizer. You might also consider a phosphate addition such as potassium phosphate.
I am quite amazed with the idea of using borosilicate as glass fertilizer. Why not try to use potassium phosphate based glasses?. This may help.
I think phosphate based glasses are the best for controlled release fertilizers as they are more soluble and easy ro control their dissolution as compared to borosilicate glasses. Borosilictae glasses are made for window glass.
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