Binary B2O3–Bi2O3 glasses: scrutinization of directly and indirectly ionizing radiations shielding abilities

Abstract

For five B2O3–Bi2O3 glasses, detailedly, γ, neutron, & proton, alpha, and electron (charged particles) shielding efficacies were assessed in this work. The crucial photon attenuating (interaction probabilities) parameter i.e., mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) was calculated by Phy-X/PSD software and procured μ/ρ results have been verified through MCNPX, Geant4, & FLUKA codes μ/ρ findings from which a quality unanimity among them was noticed over an energy range of 15 KeV–15 MeV. Following μ/ρ & linear attenuation coefficient (μ) outcomes, Zeff, Neff, HVL, TVL, and MFP have been reckoned and found that all μ/ρ, Zeff, Neff, HVL, TVL, & MFP highly rest on glass chemical contents & photon energy. Zeq and by applying geometric progression (G‒P) fitting parameters (a, b, c, d, & Xk coefficients) EBFs & EABFs were appraised at ten specific penetration depths up to 40 mfp, at energy range of 0.015–15 MeV. The inferred RPE quantities confirmed all chosen glasses quintessential absorption competence for lower energy γ-rays. Utilizing SRIM code the mass stopping powers (MSPs) & projected ranges (PRs) for protons ((ΨP)&(ΦP)) and alpha particles (ΨA)&(ΦA), and with the help of ESTAR database, electron MSP (ΨE) & continuous slowing down approximation (CSDA) ranges for electrons have been approximated at 0.015–15 MeV KE. The fast neutron removal cross-sections (ΣR) were estimated and obtained ΣR was diversified at 0.10978–0.12144 cm−1 range relying on Bi2O3 inclusion in glasses. Based on all acquired outputs, 57.5B2O3-42.5Bi2O3 (mol%) glass possesses superior attenuation capacity for γ-rays and fast neutrons as well as charged particles.