Compositional dependency of transparency, optical and radiation shielding parameters inside Gd2O3–Fe2O3–Na2O–SiO2–B2O3 glass

Abstract

Radiation shielding glass is a promising material in the radiation shielding domain with enhanced radiation shielding properties. However, glass still has some drawbacks, such as low transparency with diverse modifier types. This low level of transparency requires essential developments. In this work, we study gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3), sodium oxide (Na2O) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) embedded in borosilicate glass for radiation shielding purposes. This glass system is characterized by high transparency and enhanced radiation shielding properties. The structural observations show that the glass density gradually increases from 2.303 to 3.42 g cm−3 with further additives of Gd2O3. Moreover, the glass transparency exhibits enhanced behavior over the studied range of Gd2O3 additions. Based on optical results, we obtained increased optical band gaps from 2.97 to 3.51 eV with higher concentrations of Gd2O3 inside the glass matrix. This increased optical band gap was attributed to the decreasing behavior of basicity and the decreased behavior of polarizability. Also, the linear and nonlinear refractive indices show decreased behavior with additional contents of Gd2O3. This behavior was discussed by the diminishing behavior of basicity and polarizability. While the inclusion of higher concentrations of Gd2O3 leads to improved radiation shielding capabilities, as seen by the increased values of the mass attenuation coefficient and half-value layer. Herein, the investigated glass samples are both more transparent and more effective at shielding radiation, making them prime candidates for use in this field.