Abstract

This study examines the radiation shielding properties of borate glass systems, with a focus on the simultaneous enhancement of optical, mechanical, and magnetic characteristics. The glass composition is represented by formula (55-x)B2O3+25PbO+10SrF2+10K2O + xZnO (where x: 0.0–10.0 mol%). By manipulating the ZnO concentration, we aimed to investigate its role as a radiation attenuator and its effects on the glass's optical, mechanical, and magnetic properties. Using traditional melt-quenching techniques, we produced the glass samples and examined their density, molar volume, linear attenuation coefficients (GLAC), mean free paths (GMFP), half-value layers (GHVL), and optical and magnetic properties. Our findings demonstrate that higher ZnO concentrations lead to a significant increase in density and a corresponding decrease in molar volume, thereby enhancing the glasses' ability to shield against gamma radiation. The radiation attenuation analysis revealed that increasing ZnO content substantially improves GLAC values across the energy range of 356–1333 keV. Additionally, ZnO incorporation decreases the optical bandgap, shifting the UV absorption edge to shorter wavelengths and enhancing UV dielectric capacity. Magnetic properties were assessed using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements, showing a strong correlation between ZnO content and the effective atomic number (Zeff). It can be concluded that ZnO not only contributes to radiation shielding but also modifies the electronic structure of the glass, impacting its optical absorption properties.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.