The relationships between the mechanical properties of strengthened glass by ion exchange and the technological parameters of chemical quenching have been investigated. Samples of soda lime silicate float glass were subjected to ion exchange treatment at different temperatures and during different times in a molten salt bath of potassium nitrate in order to create compressive stresses at the surface of these samples. Several techniques were used to evaluate the surface characteristics of these samples; such as Vickers indentation and 4-point bending test.

The results obtained show that both the temperature and the time of ion exchange have a significant influence on the characteristics of the surface and consequently on the mechanical properties of the glass.