Assessment of the gamma-radiation and neutron shielding ability of Sb2O3-WO3-PbO-Na2O glass system

Abstract

The present work is based on the extensive evaluation of the gamma-radiation and neutron shielding ability of synthesized Sb2O3-based multicomponent heavy metal oxide glasses in the form of xSb2O3.yWO3.zPbO.10Na2O system (where z=10-40 mol%, x/y=6 and x+y+z=90). The shielding properties have been evaluated using both Hubbell and Seltzer and Boone and Chavez database with the help of XCOM and XMuDat programs. Shielding ability from gamma rays has been assessed from several parameters including mass attenuation coefficient, tenth-value layer, effective atomic number and effective electron density. As compared to the common nuclear reactor shielding concretes (ordinary and barite) and commercially available shielding glass RS 360, our studied glasses have provided much better results. Low values of exposure buildup factor indicate good shielding behaviour of the glasses. The glasses also have superior neutron shielding properties than the commonly used neutron shields (Boron Carbide, Polyacrylic Acid and Graphite). The investigated glass system require lesser volume for shield design owing to its better gamma-ray and neutron shielding properties as well as transparency to visible light. The investigated Sb2O3-based multicomponent heavy metal oxide glasses have the potential to be utilized as transparent see-through radiation shielding material in several nuclear and medical applications to shield the radiation workers from excessive radiation exposure.