Optical and gamma ray shielding properties of lead magnesium zinc borate (PMZB) glasses

Abstract

As the concentration of PbO in PMZB glasses is increased, the result is an elevated density and a reduced molar volume. As the percentage of PbO in the sample grows, the absorption peak in the optical spectrum has moved towards longer wavelength side. Creating non-bridging oxygens leads to a reduced gap in the band energy. When the content of Pb rises, so do the dielectric and optical dielectric constant values and the refractive index, suggesting an enhanced influence of non-bridging oxygens. The non-metallic character is confirmed by the metallization values, which vary from 0.382 to 0.362. Molar refractivity decreases with PbO content. This study conducted an evaluation of the radiation shielding characteristics in the 0.122–1.46 MeV range. The linear attenuation coefficient varied between 11.073 and 15.161 cm−1 at 0.122 MeV. The PMZBX glasses have lesser absorbing capabilities for high energy photons because of their greater penetration abilities. Thus, the PMZB4 glass, which has the greatest PbO content, shows the most promise out of the tested glasses.