Structure and properties of lead silicate glasses

The original electronic structure of the Pb${}^{2+}$ ion explains its particular structural role in crystalline phases and silicate glasses. After a description of the structural role of lead in crystalline phases (PbO, silicates), this chapter presents a summary of the main structural studies carried out on glasses from the SiO${}_2$-PbO, SiO${}_2$-PbO-R${}_2$O (R: alkaline) and SiO${}_2$-PbO-Al${}_2$O${}_3$ systems, using various spectroscopic and simulation techniques.