Analysing the role of CoO in enhancing the radiation shielding properties of ZnO–P2O5–Al2O3–PbO glasses using FTIR and ultrasound techniques

Abstract

This study explores the impact of substituting ZnO with CoO on the structural, elastic, and radiation-shielding properties of ZnO–P2O5–Al2O3–PbO (ZPAPC) glasses using various experimental and theoretical techniques. Lead-phosphate glasses are vital for their superior radiation shielding, infrared optical transparency, and waste immobilization capacities, providing versatility and value in diverse industries. FTIR spectroscopy, ultrasonic velocity, and the mass attenuation coefficient are techniques used to study the physical and chemical properties of CoO-modified lead phosphate glasses. Structural units like CoO4, CoO6, and ZnO6 are present, according to FTIR spectroscopy analysis. These structures facilitate the formation of bridging oxygen atoms within the phosphate network, enhancing density, connectivity, and rigidity. Adding Co3+ ions with higher electronegativity increases lattice vibrations and Debye temperature, affecting elastic moduli. The experimentally determined elastic moduli, obtained from ultrasonic velocity measurements, exhibit excellent agreement with the Makishima-Mackenzie model. The theoretically computed bulk modulus increases from 33.8 to 40 GPa, whereas the experimentally determined bulk modulus increases from 48.5 to 50.6 GPa. Furthermore, the research investigates the effectiveness of CoO-doped ZPAPC glasses in shielding gamma-ray radiation across a range of photon energies (0.356–1.33 MeV). This analysis can estimate the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) and other shielding characteristics of ZPAPC glasses. Among the tested glasses, ZPAPC 20 demonstrates superior mass attenuation coefficients and a greater capacity for absorbing photons, making it the preferred choice for radiation protection in this study. These techniques provide insights into the structural, chemical, and radiation shielding properties of CoO-modified lead phosphate glasses, enhancing our understanding of these materials.