LAUSR

Abstract In this work, the synthesis and structural and spectroscopy properties of glasses of the NaPO3–Sb2O3 – TeO2 system were investigated. Tellurium particles was obtained through the reduction action of antimony oxide when heated, via the Sb2O3 → Sb2O4 phase transition during the production of glasses. Heat treatment of the glasses also leads to tellurium particles formation. The reduction of Te4+ to Te0 process could be observed through Raman Spectroscopy, Scanning Electronic Microscopy images and Differential Scanning Calorimetry curves. The higher Sb2O3 concentration, the larger Te amount produced, while permanent changes of refraction index occur owing to metal – glass interface effect by the optical response of Te particles. The proposal approached in this work reveals a research field, which deserves attention according to the possibility of obtainment of new vitreous compounds containing a great variety of particles (metal-glass composites).