An in-depth investigation from mechanical durability to structural and nuclear radiation attenuation properties: B2O3–Na2O–Bi2O3–Nb2O5 glasses experience

Abstract

This study aimed to determine various essential properties from mechanical durability to structural and nuclear radiation attenuation properties of newly synthesized B2O3–Na2O–Bi2O3–Nb2O5 glasses. Accordingly, a series of B2O3–Na2O–Bi2O3–Nb2O5 glass samples were fabricated via the melt-quenching technique. The gamma and neutron shielding, physical and mechanical properties of the prepared samples were investigated. The addition of Nb2O5 and Bi2O3 increased the density of the glass samples and decreased their molar volume. The mass attenuation coefficient (μm) decreased as photon energy decreased, while it increased as Nb2O5 and Bi2O3 concentration increased. The half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) of the glass samples increased when the photon energy increased and decreased as the Nb2O5 and Bi2O3 concentration increased. The increment effect of Bi2O3 and Nb2O5 manifests its self in two regions. One of them is the increment of Bi2O3 and Nb2O5 from 0 to 15 mol%, that weaken the structure of sodium borate network by creating BO3 units with non-bridging oxygen atoms. The increment beyond 15 mol% creates NbO4 structural units that strengthen the network and increase their mechanical parameters.