Mechanical and radiation shielding properties of tellurite glasses doped with ZnO and NiO

This study examines the basic mechanical parameters and radiation shielding properties of (100−x)TeO₂+xZnO+4NiO glasses (where x = 9.6, 19.2, 28.8, and 38.4 mol%) glass system. The mechanical study included basic parameters such as hardness, packing density, elastic moduli, and Poisson's ratio. Shielding ability of the glasses was tested against gamma and neutron radiations as well as against charged particles such as electron, proton, and alpha. Geant4 simulations and theoretical calculations by using Phy-X computer program were carried out to estimate mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ), neutron removal cross section (RCS), transmission factors namely; half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic number for total interaction of gamma (Z_eff-G), electron (Z_eff-E), proton (Z_eff-P), and alpha (Z_eff-A) radiations. The results showed that ZnO concentration had a significant influence on the mechanical properties and the shielding capability for glasses involved. The values effective atomic number were in the range of 30.2–46.1 for Z_eff-G, 21.2–26.5 for Z_eff-E, 16.9–19.7 for Z_eff-P, and 15.3–18.6 for Z_eff-A, respectively. The current glasses can act as superior shielding material as compared with those of Pb-free glasses, commercial glasses, and traditional concrete.     

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.     

Ionizing radiation attenuation competences of gallium germanate-tellurite glasses utilizing MCNP5 simulation code and Phy-X/PSD program

Gamma radiation, neutrons, protons, and alphas particles shielding competences for gallium germanate-tellurite (GeO₂.TeO₂.Ga₂O₃) glasses doped with Pr₆O₁₁ were tested. The investigated glasses were named as GTGPr1, GTGPr2, GTGPr3, and GTGPr4. Mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) for the proposed glasses were calculated utilizing Phy-X/PSD program and simulated by MCNP5 simulation codes in the photon energy range of 0.015–15 MeV. With the help of MAC values, the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Z_eff) were calculated. Moreover, the absorbed dose received from ¹³⁷Cs with activity 10 μCi was calculated in presence of the studied glasses. Buildup factors (BUFs) include exposure buildup factor (EBF), and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) for all investigated glasses were also calculated. Results reflected that the GTGPr4 glass has the highest MAC, LAC values and lowest HVL among other selected germanate glasses. The values of Z_eff were around 0.04 MeV varied between 43.07 and 48.19, while at 1.5 MeV were between 18.70 and 21.25. The GTGPr1 possesses the highest values of BUFs around the studied range of energy, while GTGPr4 glasses possesses the lowest values. Moreover, the fast neutron removal cross section was (Σ_R = 0.02151 and 0.01942 cm² g⁻¹) for GTGPr1 and GTGPr4, respectively. The investigated glasses can be useful to construct superior radiation shielding materials to use in nuclear medicine 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.     

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.     

Spectral Transmission of Glass at High Temperatures and Its Application to Heat-Transfer Problems

The variation of absorption coefficient with wave length and temperature has been measured for a number of glasses containing iron oxide and chromium oxide. From these results, an effective mean free path F has been calculated, in which all the information on the variation of absorption coefficient, at a given temperature, is compounded. This value of F then has been used to calculate the coefficient of radiation conductivity K_r . It has been shown that there is a correlation between the mean free path F and the iron oxide content of soda-lime-silica glasses. Examples are given of the method of estimating furnace bottom temperatures and temperature gradients through a mass of glass.     

Role of TeO2 in radiation shielding characteristics of calcium boro-tellurite glasses

In this paper, the role of TeO₂ in radiation attenuating characteristics of xTeO₂ -10CaF₂-(60–0.6x) B₂O₃ -(30–0.4x) CaO glass system with x = 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 wt% was investigated. The gamma radiation studies were carried out by utilizing Geant4 simulations and the newly developed Phy-X/PSD program. The gamma-shielding characteristics of the present glass samples were examined in terms of mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ), and some other related factors such as the effective atomic number (Z_eff), and mean free path (MFP). The electron radiation-shielding characteristics were tested by determining the stopping power (ψ_e) and CSDA range for each glass specimen. The neutron radiation-shielding characteristics were explored by evaluating the removal cross section (RCS) for the tested glasses. Moreover, the G-P method was employed to investigate the exposure buildup factor (EBF) for photon energies up to 15 MeV. The results showed that the TeO₂ content had a significant influence on the shielding ability of the investigated glasses against gamma and neutron radiations. In contrast, the TeO₂ content had an insignificant influence on the electron radiation-shielding capacity of the glasses involved. Additionally, the nuclear-shielding properties of the studied samples were compared with those of standard nuclear radiation shields. It can be concluded that the present calcium boro-tellurite glasses have a promising future to be used as a shielding material against gamma, electron and neutron radiation, wherein the TeO₂ concentration can be balanced according to the desired application.     

The role of PbO/Bi2O3 insertion on the shielding characteristics of novel borate glasses

Impacts of lead and bismuth oxides insertion on a novel glass system of P₂O₅, B₂O₃, Li₂O, Al₂O₃ according the formula 25B₂O₃–25P₂O₅–10Li₂O–5Al₂O₃–5ZnO-xPbO+ (30-x)Bi₂O₃, x = 5,10, 15, 20, 25 mol%. The mass attenuation coefficient (μ_m = μ/ρ) simulated between 0.015 and 15 MeV using MCNP and calculated theoretically using Phy-X/PSD program. Based on the simulated μ_m, other significant parameters such as linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half and tenth value layer (HVL, TVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Z_eff) were calculated for fabricated glasses. The G-P fitting methods were used to calculate the exposure and energy absorption buildup factors (EBF and EABF) for fabricated glasses. Furthermore, fast neutron removal cross sections (Σ_R) were calculated theoretically for fabricated glasses. The prepared glasses were effective shielding material which can reduce fast neutrons as well as gamma rays.     

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.     

Compositional effects on the crosslink density of Ca–(Mg)–(Y)–Si–Al–oxyfluoronitride glasses

The effects of fluorine and nitrogen substitution for oxygen in aluminosilicate glasses, effectively oxyfluoronitride (OFN) glasses, modified by calcium, calcium–yttrium or calcium–magnesium on thermal and physical/mechanical properties have been compared. Thus, 42 glasses in the Ca–(Mg)–(Y)–Si–Al–O–(N)–(F) system have been prepared and characterized with respect to density (ρ), molar volume (MV), compactness (C), free volume (FV), glass transition temperatures measured by DTA (T_g,DTA) and dilatometry (T_g,dil), dilatometric softening point (T_DS), microhardness (μHv) and Young's modulus (E). Gradients of property variation with nitrogen or fluorine substitutions for oxygen are similar for all three different oxyfluoronitride glass systems and are comparable with those reported for other OFN glasses, again indicating independent and additive effects of nitrogen and fluorine. In attempting to further understand how fluorine affects the cross‐link density (CLD) in OFN glasses, it becomes apparent that it is necessary to allow for a greater contribution by aluminum in a modifier role as fluorine content is increased. This modified calculation of CLD values results in good linear fits between T_g and CLD values. This analysis clearly demonstrates and endorses the concepts that thermal properties are related to CLD while physical/mechanical properties are dependent on glass compactness.     

An extensive investigation on gamma-ray and neutron attenuation parameters of cobalt oxide and nickel oxide substituted bioactive glasses

This study aimed to investigate the gamma-ray and neutron attenuation parameters of cobalt oxide and nickel oxide substituted ten bioactive glasses. The mass attenuation coefficient ($\text{μ}/\text{ρ}$) for the selected bioactive glasses was calculated using MCNPX code in photon energy range (0.02?MeV - 20?MeV) and the results were compared with the output of WinXcom software. Other vital gamma-ray attenuation parameters such as half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Z_eff), and effective electron density (N_el) for the selected bioactive glasses were also calculated for each approach. Gamma-ray and neutron transmission factors as well as neutron effective removal cross-sections of each bioactive glass (ΣR) were also taken into consideration to underline the distinctive parameters. Additionally, exposure buildup factor (EBF) values were found with G-P fitting approach depending on the energy and penetration depths. The results points that, the lowest HVL, TVL and MFP values and the highest neutron effective removal cross-sections (Σ_R) values are the characteristics of NiO4C and CoO-4. The results indicate that the density of the material affects the photon and neutron interaction parameters. While NiO4C has the lowest TF values for both gamma and neutron radiation, the highest Σ_R values are collected from NiO4C glass material. The gamma and neutron transmission factors (TF) of the studied bioactive glasses support the aforementioned results. The lowest Z_eff values were generated for 45S5C and 45S5 ordinary glasses, while CoO-4 and NiO4C doped glasses are having the highest values of Z_eff. EBF values of the glasses were also calculated in the energy range 0.015–15?MeV up to 40 mfp. The smallest EBF values were measured for CoO-4 and NiO4C glasses. It can be concluded that NiO4C bioactive glass outperformed compared to other studied samples and is a promising bioactive glass for gamma-ray and neutron attenuation.     

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.     

Radiation attenuation and optical features of lithium borate glasses containing barium: B2O3.Li2O.BaO

The influence of BaO on the optical characteristics and nuclear radiation shielding properties for 60B₂O₃-(40-x)Li₂O-xBaO: x = 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mol% glasses was investigated. Various optical parameters such as optical transmission and reflection loss (T^Optical, R^Loss), molar refraction and molar polarizability (R^Molar, α^Molar), optical and static dielectric coefficients and metallization criterion (ε^Optical, ε^Static, M^Criterion), and metallization property according to refractive index and optical energy gap (M(n^Linear), M(E^Optical)), were determined. The results confirmed that R^Molar changes directly with α^Molar, while T^Optical changes inversely with R^Loss. The mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) was investigated using WinXCOM software and the results showed that all the S1–S5 glasses have good attenuation ability at 284 keV due to their high mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ). The highest and lowest values of μ/ρ occurred at 284 keV and 1.33 MeV respectively and varied between 0.1055 and 0.1361 cm²/g and 0.0526–0.0534 cm²/g. The linear attenuation coefficient (μ) increased with the gradual addition of BaO from glass S1→S5. The results showed that the effective atomic number (Z_eff) for S1 is almost constant, while S5 possessed the highest Z_eff values. The half value layer (HVL) was estimated and the effect of BaO on this parameter was analyzed. At 284 keV, the HVL values were 2.8192, 2.3847, 2.1597, 1.9687 and 1.8936 cm for S1–S5 glasses respectively. The S5 sample possessed the least HVL, and accordingly, had better attenuation capabilities than the S1–S4 samples. Therefore, lithium borate glasses with high concentration of BaO can be applied in several optical and medical applications.     

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.     

The impact of Gd2O3 on nuclear safety proficiencies of TeO2–ZnO–Nb2O5 glasses: A GEANT4 Monte Carlo study

This work was carried out to specify the effect of Gd₂O₃ on the gamma and neutron radiation shielding capacities of tellurite rich glasses with 75TeO₂+15ZnO+(10-x)Nb₂O₅+xGd₂O₃ (TZNG), where (x = 0, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 mol%) nominal composition. The mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) of the studied glasses were acquired with GEANT4 Monte Carlo codes and the results were found to match the theoretical Phy-X values. Next, the variables of Effective atomic number (Z_eff), Half Value Layer (HVL) and Mean Free Path (MFP) were calculated employing μ/ρ values. According to the corollaries, the increment of Gd2O3 insertion to the tellurite based glasses was enhanced the μρ and Z_eff values for total photon, electron, proton and alpha interactions whereas it was dropped the HVL and MFP values. It is also observed that the total stopping powers of the glasses for electron interaction were declined. The geometric progression (GP) approximation was employed to determine the exposure buildup factor (EBF) for the proposed glasses. The EBFs showed the lowest values for TZNG-E glass with 2.5% mole Gd₂O₃ addition. Finally, the fast neutron reduction capacity of the TZNG glasses was surveyed by calculating the effective removal cross-sections (Σ_R) of the glasses. It is determined that the Σ_R values increased with enhancing Gd₂O₃ content since the addition of Gd₂O₃ increased the glass density. Consequently, the TZNG-E glass with the highest Gd₂O₃ additive is the more skillful nominee for gamma-ray and neutron security applications among the investigated glasses.     

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.     

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.     

Radiation attenuation properties of bioactive glasses doped with NiO

This paper focuses on the evaluation of the radiation attenuation properties of 15CaF₂-10CaO-5B₂O₃-(65-x)P₂O₅-xNiO-5BaO (where 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0 mol%) bioactive glasses. The radiation attenuation features of these glasses were investigated by determining different factors including mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ), exposure and absorption buildup factors (EBF and EABF), neutron removal cross section (NRCS), and effective atomic number (Z_eff) for photon, proton, and carbon ion interactions. Geant4 toolkit and Phy-X program were employed for simulations and calculations procedures. The results revealed that NiO content in the studied bioactive glasses has a significant effect on photon interaction and an insignificant effect on the charged particle interactions. The Z_eff values of the studied glasses were observed in the range of 18–20 for photon interaction, 10.7–10.9 for proton interaction, and 10.0–10.7 for carbon ion interaction. The NRCS values were 0.087, 0.088, 0.089, 0.090, and 0.091 cm^-1 for x = 0, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mol%, respectively. The studied bioactive glasses showed a good ability to attenuate gamma radiation at energies of medical applications.     

Influence of Bi2O3/WO3 substitution on the optical,mechanical, chemical durability and gamma ray shielding properties of lithium-borate glasses

Six different lithium bismuth boro-tungstate glasses with chemical composition 20Li₂O-(20-x)Bi₂O₃-xWO₃-60B₂O₃ (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mol%) were produced by the quenching method. Then, the glasses were investigated by means of their optical, mechanical, chemical durability and gamma ray shielding properties. Measured values of density and ultrasonic velocities were used to determine the elastic properties of the glasses. The optical band gap determined using the absorbance spectrum fitting (ASF) model was found to decrease under Bi₂O₃/WO₃ substitution. The presence of BO₃, BO₄, BiO₆, and WO₄ structural groups in the glasses was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The dissolution rate in the glass 20Li₂O–15Bi₂O₃–5WO₃–60B₂O₃ (LBWB5) was found to be 10 times lower than 20Li₂O-20Bi₂O₃– 60B₂O₃. Mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) values of the produced glasses were determined using the MCNPX Monte Carlo code and Phy-X/PSD program. The photon attenuation parameters such as half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Z_eff), exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) were also studied. The obtained results showed that Bi₂O₃/WO₃ substitution has a direct impact on the photon attenuation abilities of produced glasses. More specifically, HVL values increased from 0.252 × 10^?2 cm for LBWB0 glass to 0.275 × 10^?2 cm for LBWB5 glass. However, different trends were observed for the photon buildup factors for the produced glasses. It can be concluded that the produced glasses have promising structural, optical, and photon attenuation properties to be used for gamma shielding applications.     

Responsibility of Bi2O3 Content in Photon,Alpha, Proton,Fast and Thermal Neutron Shielding Capacity and Elastic Moduli of ZnO/B2O3/Bi2O3 Glasses

The effect of Bi₂O₃ content on photon, alpha particle, proton, fast and thermal neutron shielding capacity, and elastic moduli of 10ZnO-(90-x)B₂O₃-xBi₂O₃ (ZBB-glasses): x?=?25–50 mol% has been investigated. The mass density and Bi-content of the ZBB-glasses had the greatest impact on the values of mass and linear attenuation coefficients. The mass and linear attenuation coefficients values were followed the trend (ZBB25)_MAC,LAC?<?(ZBB30) _MAC,LAC?<?(ZBB35) _MAC,LAC?<?(ZBB40) _MAC,LAC?<?(ZBB45) _MAC,LAC?<?(ZBB50) _MAC,LAC. The mean free path (MFP) and half value layer (HVL) were having the same trend and opposite to which obtained in mass and linear attenuation coefficients. All the ZBB-glasses showed almost similar charged particle shielding capacity. However, ZBB50 had a comparable charged particle absorption efficiency. There was a 57% growth in fast neutron removal cross section as Bi₂O₃ molar concentration increased to 50% in the ZBB-glass matrix. ZBB50 possesses the highest fast neutron removal cross section among the ZBB-glasses. In terms of thermal neutron absorbing capacity, the presence of B in the glass matrix ensures that the ZBB-glasses are good thermal neutron absorption. ZBB25 has the highest thermal neutron absorption capacity among the investigated glasses. Generally, ZBB-glasses can be adopted for photon, thermal neutron, proton, and alpha particle shielding purposes. In addition, elastic (shear, longitudinal, and Young’s) moduli and Poisson’s ratio are changed significantly with the increase of Bi₂O₃ content mol% in ZBB-glasses.