Understanding the exceptional strength of Prince Rupert's drops through compositional analysis using atom probe tomography

초록

Prince Rupert's drops (PRDs), notable for their exceptionally strong heads, have served as a model system for understanding the origins of strength in glass. However, investigations on the contributions of compositional variations to the strength of PRDs remain relatively limited. In this study, the compositional origins of the exceptional strength of PRDs were investigated using multi-scale compositional analyses ranging from the microscale to the nanoscale. The results revealed a distinct difference in the K/Na ratio between the interior (0.21) and exterior (0.32) of the PRD head, corresponding to approximately 52% increase. This compositional gradient may contribute to the development of a unique compressive stress state. These findings offer new insights into the role of composition in determining PRD strength and can guide the development of composition-driven strategies to enhance the mechanical performance of glass. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

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