Role of PbO in Structure, Properties, and Durability of Commercial Lead Crystal Glasses

The influence of PbO content on the structural, optical, mechanical, and chemical durability of commercial lead crystal glasses was investigated. Increasing PbO concentration correlated with higher density and refractive index—characteristics that contribute to the optical brilliance of lead crystal—while generally reducing hardness and thermal stability. Chemical durability was assessed by leaching tests in distilled water, a 25% (v/v) ethanol solution, and 4% acetic acid at 75°C for 6 h; released cations (Na, K, Pb, Si) were quantified by electrothermal atomization–atomic absorption spectroscopy (ETA-AAS). The results indicate that corrosion resistance depends on both PbO content and leaching medium; higher PbO (> 24 wt.%) samples tended to show greater Pb release—especially in acetic acid. Within the limited set of commercial samples tested here, compositions near 24 wt.% PbO showed a compromise between optical qualities and chemical durability; however, this observation should not be generalized without further study.