| Abstract Scope |
A series of natural glasses, ranging from volcanic glass (obsidians, pumice), the skeleton of a deep-sea sponge, to glasses formed by lightning strikes (fulgurites) or impacts (tektites), and even amber, were studied for variations in their composition, transition temperature, amorphous nature and structure. This project resulted from an interdisciplinary elective for students from Engineering, Art, Science and Geology, including first year students to seniors, which had the opportunity to melt glasses and to use various characterization methods from SEM to spectroscopy, DSC to XRD. Some students opted for a deeper literature review, while others had a more practical approach, including the remelting of space glass, using a composition found on Mars. This class will likely turn into a regular elective offered by the School of Engineering, and more detailed results can be expected. |