Mechanical and nuclear shielding properties of sodium cadmium borate glasses: Impact of cadmium oxide additive

In this study, highly effective radiation shielding glass materials with different amount of CdO additive were investigated in terms of nuclear shielding performance. Moreover, mechanical properties have been determined. The μ_m values were computed using XCOM and XMuDat program. The gamma and neutron shielding parameters such as μ_m, HVL, Z_eff, EBF, EABF, SAFE, b_co, b_ico, σ_co and σ_abs are calculated to understand the radiation shielding performances of investigated glasses. The results show that μ_m, Z_eff and σ_abs values increase as the CdO content increases. The S7 sample has the lowest HVL, MFP, EBF, EABF, SAFE, b_co, b_ico and σ_co values. Therefore, S7 glass sample (70 mol% of CdO) which has also the highest number of bonds per unit volume can be considered as a superior material for radiation shielding applications. The outcomes of this study can be very useful for future applications of investigated glass materials in medical and industrial radiation fields.     

Mechanical,physical and gamma ray shielding properties of xPbO-(50-x) MoO3–50V2O5 (25 ≤ x ≤ 45 mol %) glass system

In this study, five different glasses encoded Pb25, Pb30, Pb35, Pb40 and Pb45 based on xPbO- (50-x) MoO₃–50V₂O₅ (25 ≤ x ≤ 45 mol %) glass system were fabricated. MCNPX code, XCOM and XMuDat have been utilized to compute the mass attenuation coefficient (μ_m) values of the xPbO-(50-x)MoO3–50V₂O₅ glass system at 0.015–15 MeV photon energies. X-ray diffraction (XRD), was characterized for fabricated glasses. Moreover, different shielding parameters such as Half Value Layer, Tenth Value Layer, relaxation length, effective atomic numbers and effective electron densities, basic gamma-ray attenuation properties such as Exposure Buildup Factors (EBF) and Energy Absorption Buildup Factors (EABF) at different penetration depths, Effective Removal Cross Section against fast neutrons have been calculated. In addition to nuclear radiation shielding parameters, numerous physical and mechanical parameters were determined. The experimental elastic modulus results were compared using the theoretical models Makishima-Mackenzie and Rocherulle model. The values of these moduli have been compared to their experimental values. The results observed that the composition has the highest value of PbO (45 mol. %) showed excellent nuclear radiation shielding and elastic properties.     

ErBaCuO/PbO ceramic composites: Synthesis,physical properties,and radiation shielding performance

The search for shielding materials against ionizing radiation is very important due to the harmful effect that these radiations cause on human health and the environment. In this work, new ceramic composites of ErBa₂Cu₃O_x/lead oxide (ErBaCuO/PbO) instead of pure lead are proposed and prepared to serve as promising alternative materials for gamma radiation protection. X-ray diffraction was used to examine the structural properties of the prepared ceramic composites. The analysis showed that all composites have an orthorhombic structure with Pmmm symmetry. The addition of PbO induced distortion of the crystal structure of the ErBCO system. The structural parameters including lattice constants and unit cell volume showed a great variability with the addition of PbO. The physical properties including the density and porosity of the prepared ceramic composites were also determined. It was found that the density values increased from 4510 kg/m³ for 0 wt% to 4640, 4750, 4800 kg/m³ for 2, 5, and 10 wt%, respectively, while the porosity reduced with increasing the PbO content. The Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate the linear attenuation coefficients of the as-prepared ceramics at different energies of gamma-ray photons ranging from 0.059 to 1.408 MeV. Other shielding parameters were computed, including half-value thickness, transmission factor, and radiation protection efficiency. The results showed an improvement in radiation protection efficiency and a decrease in the transmission factor values with increasing the concentration of PbO. For example, the half-value thickness reduced from 1.949 to 1.832 cm while the radiation protection efficiency increased from 29.93 to 31.51%, at gamma-ray energy of 0.662 MeV, once the concentration of PbO was increased from 0 to 10 wt %, respectively.     

Synthesis,physical, optical,structural and radiation shielding characterization of borate glasses: A focus on the role of SrO/Al2O3 substitution

In a bid to expand the amount of information available on glass systems and their potential applications for radiation shielding design, glass samples with the compositions (30-x)SrO-xAl₂O₃–68B₂O₃–2V₂O₅(x = 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5&15 mol %) coded as SABV0 - 4 were prepared by the melt-quenching technique and analyzed for their optical, structural, physical, and radiation shielding features. The glassy (amorphous) nature of the SABV glass samples was affirmed by broad peaks of X-ray diffraction spectra. Calculated values of density and molar volume shown opposite behavior and the variation of these values were discussed as structural modifications in the glass matrix. From recorded optical absorption spectra optical band gap energy (Eg)-indirect transition, Urbach energy and optical basicity were estimated. FTIR spectra were recorded for all the samples in the range 400 cm^?1 to 4000 cm^?1. The FTIR absorbance spectra unveiled the SABV network structure mainly incorporating of BO₃ and BO₄ units. Raman spectroscopy is achieved to detect the structural changes and at higher wavenumber, B–O stretching modes in [BO₃] observed with one or two NBO's. The results of ESR spectra of glasses have indicated the highly covalent environment of vanadium ions. Analysis of the photon shielding parameters of the glasses which were obtained primarily from FLUKA Monte Carlo simulations and XCOM computations revealed photon energy and glass chemical composition dependence. The mass attenuation coefficient and effective atomic number ranged from 0.2668 to 0.3385 cm²g^-1 and 12.98–15.93 accordingly as the weight fraction of Sr increased from 16.06 to 26.72% in the glasses. Generally, photon shielding ability of the SABV glasses follows the trend: SABV0 > SABV1 > SABV2 > SABV3 > SABV4. The thermal neutron total cross section follows the same trend with values fluctuating between 71.9553 and 80.6268 cm^?1. However, SABV1 showed superior fast neutron moderating capacity among the glasses. The present SABV glasses showed outstanding photon shielding ability compared to common shields. The prepared glasses are thus suitable candidates for radiation protection applications.     

Gamma and neutron shielding characterizations of the Ag2O–V2O5–MoO3–TeO2 quaternary tellurite glass system with the Geant4 simulation toolkit and Phy-X software

Gamma and neutron shielding potential of the newly developed xAg₂O-(35-x)[0.5V₂O₅-0.5MoO₃]-65TeO₂ (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mol%) quaternary tellurite glass system were investigated computationally by means of Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations and Phy-X software. Gamma ray shielding capabilities were studied via the mass attenuation coefficient (μ_m), transmission fractions (T), effective atomic number (Z_eff), half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) parameters and for the photon energies of 0.284, 0.356, 0.511, 0.662, 1.173 and 1.330 MeV. Fast neutron removal cross-section (∑_R) parameter of the glasses was calculated to assess the neutron shielding capabilities. The results of this study revealed that tellurite glass containing 25% moles of Ag₂O has highest μ_m and Z_eff and lowest T, HVL and MFP values due to the high atomic number of Ag. In this study it was also seen that the ∑_R of the investigated glass system increases with the increase of Ag₂O fraction and ∑_R values of the studied glasses are higher than barite added concrete and close to the ∑_R of the PbO added borate glasses.     

The radiation-shielding properties of ternary SiO2–SnO–SnF2 glasses: Simulation and theoretical study

In this study, the shielding capabilities of five selected glasses with a (100-x) SiO₂-x(SnO + SnF₂) chemical composition (x = 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 mol%) have been investigated. The mass attenuation coefficient values were simulated using the MCNP5 Monte Carlo code, while the results were confirmed theoretically by the online version of the XCOM program. Based on the obtained mass attenuation coefficient values, effective shielding parameters such as linear attenuation coefficient, half value layer, mean free path, effective atomic number, and electron densities have been calculated. Exposure and energy absorption buildup factors have also been calculated. Glass shielding capabilities against neutrons has been investigated by calculating the fast neutron removal cross section. The results reveal that an increase in the SnO ratio in the glass composition leads to an increase in the attenuation properties: the investigated glasses are superior as shields against gamma radiation.     

Towards highly transparent tungsten zinc sodium borate glasses for radiation shielding purposes

The impact of tungsten oxide (WO₃) additions on the structure, some physical and radiation shielding parameters of sodium zinc borate glasses have been scrutinized. These glasses were properly produced by the melt quenching method. The amorphous state was affirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. The internal structure within the short-range order of the glassy network was studied by the method of infrared spectroscopy (IR). The results of IR showed that the BO₄ units are transformed to BO₃ accompanied by the formation of nonbridging oxygens with further WO₃ doping. This transformation of BO₄ to BO₃ and nonbridging oxygens is employed to explain the increase in the molar volume values with changing WO₃/ZnO amount. Further, the optical transmittance was measured within the visible range to assure the transparency of the prepared glasses. The transmittance results confirm the absence of W⁵⁺, W⁴⁺, W³⁺ states; based on the absence of their absorption bands. Also, the transmittance results indicate that the only oxidation state in the present glasses is hexavalent tungsten (W⁶⁺). Additionally, the parameters of radiation protection of the manufactured glasses were investigated. It was found that, the addition of WO₃ improves not only the radiation protection parameters (such as the linear attenuation coefficient) but also the transparency of the prepared glasses. Finally, we concluded that, the addition of WO₃ to the glass samples leads to transparent glasses with an improved shielding ability at low energies but effects slightly at high energies. Due to the high transparency and the increased values of the linear attenuation coefficient of the prepared glasses, they are considered promising glasses in the field of nuclear radiation protection, especially at low energies.     

Optical Properties and Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Bismuth Silicate Glasses Containing SrO, BaO or PbO

Optical and FT Infrared spectroscopic measurements have been utilized to investigate and characterize binary bismuth silicate glass together with derived samples by replacements of parts of the Bi₂O₃ by SrO, BaO, or PbO. This study aims to justify and compare the spectral and shielding behavior of the studied glasses containing heavy metal ions towards gamma irradiation. The study also aims to measure or calculate the optical energy band gap of these glasses. The replacements of parts of Bi₂O₃ by SrO, BaO or PbO caused some changes within the optical and infrared absorption spectra due to the different housing positions and physical properties of the respective divalent Sr2+, Ba2+, Pb2+ ions. The stability of both the optical and infrared spectra of the studied bismuth silicate glass and related samples towards gamma irradiation confirm some shielding behavior of the studied glasses and their suitability as radiation shielding candidates.     

Surveying of Na2O3–BaO–PbO–Nb2O5–SiO2–Al2O3 glass-ceramics system in terms of alpha,proton, neutron and gamma protection features by utilizing GEANT4 simulation codes

In this study, nuclear shielding qualities of glass-ceramics with chemical composition Na₂O₃–BaO–PbO–Nb₂O₅–SiO₂–Al₂O₃ containing different amount of BaO and PbO were investigated. The μ_ρ values were simulated using GEANT4 toolkit at 0.015–20 MeV wide energy range and the obtained results were verified by theoretical WinXCOM results. The variables such as μ_ρ, HVL, MFP, Z_eff, N_eff, EBF and EABF were computed to determine the gamma-ray shielding performances of studied glass ceramics. The results revealed that increase in PBO and BaO percentages in glass samples has caused to decrease the HVL, MFP, EBF and EABF values and increase μ_ρ, Z_eff values. It has been seen that N28 and S24 samples own superior protection ability against gamma radiation. In addition, the shielding capacity of these glass ceramics against charged and uncharged particles were predicted by determination of MSP and PR values for alpha, proton and ΣR values for neutrons. It has been concluded that PbO and BaO addition improve radiation shielding competences of glass ceramics. The data obtained from this study will be beneficial for designing glass ceramics shields for radiation protection enforcements.     

Styrene–butadiene rubber/lead oxide composites as gamma radiation shields

Composites of styrene–butadiene rubber were prepared with three different types of lead oxide, namely, monolead oxide (PbO), lead dioxide (PbO₂), and red lead oxide (Pb₃O₄). Concentrations of Pb₃O₄ ranging between 17 and 88 wt % were utilized, whereas 87 wt % was used for PbO and PbO₂. The prepared composites were investigated for their gamma radiation shielding properties. Moreover, physical and mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity were measured for both the unirradiated and irradiated composites. The highest value obtained for the linear absorption coefficient was 0.424 cm^?1 for 88% Pb₃O₄.     

Radiation attenuation capacity improvement of various oxides via high density polyethylene composite reinforcement

This paper reports the improved gamma radiation attenuation ability of six composite shields prepared using high density polyethylene (HDP) reinforced Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and PbO. The radioactive source ²²⁶Ra was used at different γ-ray energies (0.295, 0.352, 0.609, 1.12, and 1.747 MeV) and the transmitted γ-radiation from the studied shields was detected via a NaI(Tl) detector. The proposed shields' μ, MFP, HVL, TF, RPE, and d_Pb values were determined as a function of γ-ray energy. The experimental results were compared with those calculated using the XMuDat computer program. The measured values of all parameters were consistent with the theoretical results. It was demonstrated that the gamma radiation attenuation capacity of Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and PbO can be significantly enhanced via HDP reinforcement.     

Effect of Bi2O3 on mechanical features and radiation shielding properties of boro-tellurite glass system

This paper focuses on the effect of Bi₂O₃ content (up to 80 mol%) on mechanical features and radiation shielding characteristics of boro-tellurite glasses within TeO₂–B₂O₃–Bi₂O₃ system. The basic mechanical parameters such as oxygen molar volume, packing density, hardness, and elastic moduli were studied based on Makishima–Mackenzie's theory. The shielding studies of the TeO₂–B₂O₃–Bi₂O₃ glasses included gamma, electron and neutron radiations. The newly developed Phy-X/PSD program and Geant4 simulation were used to calculate the shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), stopping power (ψ_e)), removal cross section (RCS), CSDA range, effective atomic number (Z_eff), and half value layer (HVL). The concentration of Bi₂O₃ content had a significant effect on the gamma shielding competence of the investigated glasses. Form the results of gamma shielding studies, the highest μ/ρ (99.845 cm²/g) occurred at 0.015 MeV for TBB80 and the lowest μ/ρ (0.039 m²/g) occurred at 4 MeV for TBB40. The maximum values of Z_eff for gamma interaction occurred at 0.02 MeV and they were 77.26, 78.81, 79.94, 80.80, and 81.48 for TBB40, TBB50, TBB50, TBB60, TBB70, and TBB80, respectively. The gamma shielding features of the investigated glasses were compared with those of various ordinary concretes, and Pb-free, Pb-based, and commercial glasses. The Bi₂O₃ content had also a considerable influence on the electron shielding competence of the tested glasses. The maximum values of Z_eff for electron interaction occurred at 14 MeV and they were 44.58, 47.72, 50.41, 52.75, and 53.73 for TBB40, TBB50, TBB50, TBB60, TBB70, and TBB80, respectively. The results revealed that the bismuth boro-tellurite glasses could be useful for the shielding against gamma, electron, and neutron radiations, wherein the Bi₂O₃ content can be balanced according to the type and energy of radiation.     

Synthesis of lead oxide doped SmBa2Cu3Oy ceramic systems as efficient shields against γ radiations: Structure,radiation attenuating capacities,and optical features

Radiation has great significance in human life; it can be used in different fields such as agriculture, industry, medicine, and food sterilization. There are several methods to protect humans from gamma radiation; one of these methods is using shielding materials. Herein, ceramic SmBa₂Cu₃O_y materials doped with 0.0, 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0 wt% of lead oxide have been prepared and tested against gamma-ray. XRD analyses showed an orthorhombic structure of all ceramics with the presence of Pb-rich impurity in doped ceramics. The optical bandgap energy values were in the range of 1.54–162 eV. The Monte Carlo N-Particle transpose code was adopted to simulate the shielding parameters in the interval between 0.015 and 15 MeV. The shielding properties are enhanced by mixing SmBa₂Cu₃O_y with the PbO compound. The linear attenuation coefficient at 1.25 MeV increased from 0.219 cm^?1 to 0.230 cm^?1, with increasing the PbO concentration from 0.0 to 10.0 wt%, respectively.     

Bioactive glasses and direct effect of increased K2O additive for nuclear shielding performance: A comparative investigation

This study aimed to provide a large-scale investigation on direct effect of K₂O additive nuclear radiation shielding properties of calcium phosphate based bioactive quaternary P₂O₅–CaO–Na₂O–K₂O glasses. A gamma ray attenuation setup has been modeled in MCNPX (v-2.6–0) simulation code using Monte Carlo simulation technique. Next, all the bioactive glasses have been defined considering their chemical properties and material densities, respectively. The mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) have been calculated by using MCNPX code and obtained results have been used for determination of another vital gamma-ray shielding parameters. Moreover, a detailed calculation has been done for determination of exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) of investigated bioactive glasses which should be considered as important parameters for interaction properties of ionizing radiation with material environment. In addition, effective removal cross sections for fast neutrons have been calculated. To compare our results, obtained HVL values of the present investigation have been compared with copper oxide and cobalt oxide substituted bioactive glasses. Among the investigated bioactive glasses, the maximum MAC values were reported for PCNK60 sample with higher K₂O additive. It can be concluded that chemical structure of additive materials in the bioactive glasses is strongly related with the radiation attenuation properties of bioactive glasses.     

Gamma-Ray Shielding Effectiveness of Lead Bismuth Germanoborate Glasses

The gamma-ray shielding effectiveness of the lead bismuth germanoborate glasses has been studied. The mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) of the selected glasses have been obtained through both XCOM program and MCNP5 simulation code. The (μ/ρ) values calculated in both methods are found to be in good agreement and these values are used to calculate effective atomic number, mean free path, half-value layer and energy exposure buildup factors. The shielding effectiveness of these samples has been compared with that of window glasses and some standard shielding concretes. The lower values of mean free path point to the fact that the selected glasses are efficient gamma shields.     

Flexible Low-Melting Point Radiation Shielding Materials: Soft Elastomers with GaInSnPbBi High-Entropy Alloy Inclusions

A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix soft elastic composite material with low-melting-point GaInSnPbBi high-entropy alloy (LHEA) inclusions is prepared to evaluate its radiation shielding performance. The LHEA is composed of two different three-component eutectic microstructures, which are grown in a mixed manner to form a complex eutectic structure. The inclusions have excellent mechanical properties that matched the deformation of the PDMS matrix. To evaluate the interaction of the shielding material with photons, the Monte Carlo N-Particle Extended and XCOM codes are used to determine the shielding parameters of the LHEA/PDMS composites, such as mass attenuation coefficient, linear attenuation coefficient, half-value layer, tenth value layer, mean free path, and effective atomic number. The composite with 50-vol% LHEA has the best radiation shielding properties, validated by medical X-ray imaging experiments. The excellent shielding properties of the flexible lightweight composites are attributed to the higher mass attenuation coefficient of the LHEA inclusions than that of lead.     

Spectroscopic investigation of samarium-doped lead oxyflouroborate glasses using photo and cathode luminescence

Samarium-doped lead oxyflouroborate glasses of 60 B₂O₃- xPbO- (40-x)LiF where (x=0-30 mol%) with 3×10²⁰ ions/cm³ of Sm₂O_3, were prepared by melt quenching. UVVis absorption, photo luminescence (PL) and cathode luminescence (CL) spectroscopies were used to study the effect of varying PbO content on the spectroscopic properties of these samarium-doped glasses. The absorption of the UV-edge shifts toward higher wavelengths, not only because of higher polarizability of lead ions, but also because of the strong allowed s-p transition of Pb²⁺. Judd-Ofelts parameters were determined and indicate that the asymmetry around Sm³⁺ ions increases with increasing PbO content. Ω₂ probes the asymmetry by the ratio of intensity of the hypersensitive transition (⁶H_9/2) to that of purely magnetic (⁶H_5/2) transition. Furthermore, an increase in the spectroscopic quality factor (Ω₄/Ω₆) was observed with increasing PbO content which indicates that these glasses have the potential to be used as efficient active laser glasses. The calculated energy transfer parameter increases with increasing PbO content. Also, stark splitting increases with increasing PbO concentrations. FWHM of the CL emission peaks and stark splitting, are found to be much larger than that in PL. This was explained by the high electric field generated from the exciting electron pulses.     

Physical Properties,Optical band gaps and Radiation Shielding Parameters Exploration for Dy<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-doped Alkali/Mixed Alkali Multicomponent Borate Glasses

Six compositions of 1 mol % Dy³⁺-doped multicomponent borate glasses containing single Li₂O, Na₂O, K₂O and mixed Li₂O–Na₂O, Li₂O–K₂O, and Na₂O–K₂O oxides have been synthesized by well-known melt-quenching technique. Following the measured density and refractive index values, various physical parameters were estimated for all the glass samples and differences in them are correlated with structural changes. To explore optical properties like absorption edge (λ_cut-off), optical band gap energy (E_opt), and Urbach energy (ΔE), optical absorption spectra were recorded for all the glasses. The E_g has been calculated using Davis and Mott theory for direct allowed, and indirect allowed transitions and the results were reported. The E_g values are also estimated using absorption spectrum fitting (ASF) method. The optical parameters variations have also been associated with the structural changes occurring in the glasses with different alkali/mixed alkali oxides content presence. The shielding properties of the prepared glasses were studied in terms of effective atomic numbers (Z_eff), mean free path (MFP), half value layer (HVL) and macroscopic effective removal cross-section (Σ_R). From these results, it was found that Potassium (K) glass shows superior gamma ray shielding properties due to a higher value of Z_eff and lower values of both MFP and HVL. These results indicate that the prepared glasses might be utilized in place of some common shielding materials to shield γ-rays and neutrons.     

A novel B2O3-Na2O-BaO-HgO glass system: Synthesis,physical, optical and nuclear shielding features

In the current paper, we investigated the impacts of HgO addition on optical, structural and radiation shielding properties of newly developed BNBH glass system, with nominal composition (60-x)B₂O₃+20Na₂O+20BaO + xHgO, where x = 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15. BNBH glasses were produced by traditional melt quenching technique. The structure of the produced glasses was estimated employing XRD and TEM analyses and their amorphous natures were verified. The material densities of the investigated glass samples increased nearly linearly as the HgO concentration increased. The UV–visible absorption spectra of the HgO doped glasses were obtained and it is noticed that the absorption coefficient varies with the increase of HgO concentration. The optical absorption spectra were also utilized to found optical energy band gaps, refraction indices and Urbach's tail energy of the prepared glasses. It was observed that the E_g decrease with the increase of HgO content. Moreover, nuclear radiation shielding parameters of BNBH glasses with HgO additive were obtained for photons, charged particles, and neutrons. It was perceived that the insertion of HgO was improved the protecting competences of the glasses against several nuclear radiation types. The results of this comprehensive study revealed that HgO can be used in the design of new glass systems for shielding studies.     

Newly developed BGO glasses: Synthesis,optical and nuclear radiation shielding properties

In this research paper, we studied the optical and nuclear shielding efficiency of newly developed BGO glasses with the following compositions (in wt%): 32Bi₂O₃–68GeO₂, 42Bi₂O₃–58GeO₂, 47Bi₂O₃–53GeO₂, 52Bi₂O–48GeO₂, 62Bi₂O₃–38GeO₂. BGO glasses were prepared by traditional melt quenching method. To obtain the band gap values of fabricated BGO glasses, optical absorption spectra were used for evaluation of optical properties. The mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) were achieved for prepared glasses at 0.015–15 MeV photon energies employing MCNPX Monte Carlo code and WinXcom program. Moreover, broad-range of nuclear shielding parameters for gamma ray, neutrons and charged particles such as mass attenuation coefficient, half value layer, effective atomic number, buildup factors, mass stopping powers, projected ranges, fast neutron removal cross sections and damage factors were calculated. The refractive index is calculated from E_opt, As Bi₂O₃ concentration is enhanced, E_opt is also increased as well as the optical electronegativity and consequently the refractive index. In addition, the results showed that BIGE5 glass sample with highest Bi₂O₃ contribution has excellent nuclear radiation shielding ability among the other fabricated glass samples.