Abstract
The direct influence of La3+ ions on the gamma-ray shielding properties of cobalt-doped heavy metal borate glasses with the chemical formula 0.3CoO-(80-x)B2O3-19.7PbO-xLa2O3: x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mol% was examined herein. Several significant radiation shielding parameters were evaluated. The glass density was increased from 3.11 to 3.36 g/cm3 with increasing La3+ ion content from 0 to 2 mol%. The S5 glass sample, which contained the highest concentration of La3+ ions (2 mol%), had the maximum linear (μ) and mass (μm) attenuation coefficients for all photon energies entering, while the S1 glass sample free of La3+ ions possessed the minimum values of μ and μm. Both the half value layer (T1/2) and tenth value layer (TVL) of all investigated glasses showed a similar trend of (T1/2, TVL)S1 > (T1/2, TVL)S2 > (T1/2, TVL)S3 > (T1/2, TVL)S4 > (T1/2, TVL)S5. Our results revealed that the S5 sample had the highest effective atomic number (Zeff) values over the whole range of gamma-ray energy. S5 had the lowest exposure (EBF) and energy absorption (EABF) build-up factor values across the whole photon energy and penetration depth range. Our findings give a strong indication of the S5 sample’s superior gamma-ray shielding characteristics due to the highest contribution of lanthanum oxide.
Highlights
Gamma radiation is commonly used in medicine and in industry [1]
Most of the photon–matter interactions occur in the low-energy area, where the photoelectric effect dominates, with cross-sectional changes proportional to Z(4–5)
We aimed to evaluate different types of gamma-ray shielding parameters using advanced simulation methods
Summary
Gamma radiation is commonly used in medicine and in industry [1]. The biological effect of radiation is well known; massive efforts are being made in the field of radiation shielding. Borate glass is a promising material in the field of radiation shielding and protection due to its chemical and physical properties. Oxides can be added to improve the optical features, mechanical characteristics, and shielding properties of borate glasses. La2 O3 is hygroscopic, has poor thermal stability, and has poor interface properties. These factors reduce the k value and generate a positive fixed charge, resulting in deterioration of its dielectric properties [8,9]. Adding other elements to La2 O3 will improve its properties; previous studies used silicon, aluminum, and nitrogen to enhance the chemical and electrical characteristics [10,11]. La2 O3 improves the water resistance of borate optical glasses. Lithium borate glasses have received the most attention because lithium has a promising future in high-energy-density batteries and other electrochemical applications due to its light weight and most electropositive nature [5,12]
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