Influence of Sb2O3 Nanoparticles on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Biogenic Rice Husk Silicate Borocalcium Glass for Photovoltaic Applications

Abstract

Biogenic glass materials, synthesized from agricultural waste, present a sustainable pathway for photovoltaic glass applications. However, the enhancement of these materials through nanoparticle incorporation, specifically to improve physical and mechanical properties, has not been extensively studied. This study investigates the influence of Sb₂O₃ nanoparticles on the physical and mechanical properties of borocalcium silicate glass, which is derived from high-purity rice husk silica and eggshell calcium oxide. Six glass compositions, with Sb₂O₃ nanoparticle contents ranging from 0 to 25 wt%, were fabricated using a melt-quenching technique. The density, Vickers microhardness, and indentation fracture toughness of these compositions were then evaluated. The results demonstrated a progressive increase in density (2.518 to 2.939 g/cm³) and microhardness (638 to 875 kgf/mm²), along with enhanced fracture toughness (2.0 to 3.9 MPa·m¹ᐟ²). These improvements confirm enhanced atomic packing and structural reinforcement, attributed to the Sb₂O₃ NPs, which promote cross-linking and suppress flaw development. The enhanced mechanical performance and structural integrity of the Sb₂O₃-doped biogenic glass establish its viability for PV module encapsulation in mechanically demanding environments.