Abstract: A method of performing an ion exchange process by immersing a glass sheet into a salt bath at a first temperature for a first period of time such that ions within the glass sheet proximate to a surface thereof are exchanged for larger ions from the salt bath, thereby producing a compressive stress (CS) at the surface of the glass sheet, a depth of compressive layer (DOL) into the glass sheet, and a central tension (CT) within the glass sheet. The ion exchange process can be driven using electricity to reduce the first temperature and first period of time to a second temperature and second period of time, respectively.

Abstract: A foam acid glass etching media including a solvent; a source of fluorine; and a nonionic surfactant. The foam acid is in the form of a colloidal dispersion with a gas dispersed in a continuous liquid phase. The media is useful in etching or polishing glass sheets in a batch or continuous process. Described is a method for etching or polishing glass by providing a glass having at least one major surface; and contacting the at least one major surface with a foam acid.