Glass formers are compounds that have the ability to form an amorphous glassy structure upon cooling without crystallization.
Step 1: Understanding Glass Formers
- Silica (\( \text{SiO}_2 \)) is the most common glass former used in traditional glass manufacturing.
- Boron trioxide (\( \text{B}_2\text{O}_3 \)) is also a strong glass former, used in borosilicate glasses.
- Germanium oxide (\( \text{GeO}_2 \)) is another well-known glass former, similar in structure to silica.
Step 2: Identifying Non-Glass Formers
- Chromium oxide (\( \text{Cr}_2\text{O}_3 \)) is not a glass former; it is a refractory oxide that does not form an amorphous structure but rather remains crystalline.
Step 3: Evaluating the Options
- Option (A) - Incorrect: Silica (\( \text{SiO}_2 \)) is a well-known glass former.
- Option (B) - Incorrect: Boron trioxide (\( \text{B}_2\text{O}_3 \)) is a common glass former.
- Option (C) - Incorrect: Germanium oxide (\( \text{GeO}_2 \)) forms glass similar to silica.
- Option (D) - Correct: Chromium oxide (\( \text{Cr}_2\text{O}_3 \)) is not a glass former.
Step 4: Conclusion
Since Chromium oxide (\( \text{Cr}_2\text{O}_3 \)) does not form glass, the correct answer is option (D).