Physical, microstructural, and radiation energy absorption properties of recycled CRT-screen glass doped with Bi2O3

Abstract

In this study, pristine TV-CRT screen glass (TVS) and those doped with 10% (TVS-Bi10) and 20% (TVS-Bi20) by weight of Bi2O3 were prepared and analyzed for their physical, microstructural, radiation dosimetry quantities, and shielding features. The glass samples were fabricated using the cold isostatic press method. The surface microstructure and the chemical composition of the glass ceramics were probed with the aid of the scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) system. Photon absorption and scattering quantities were estimated using standard procedures. The mean density values determined by Archimedes principle were calculated as 2.614, 2.788, and 3.056 gr/cm3 for the TVS, TVS-Bi10, and TVS-Bi20 samples, respectively. SEM images of samples showed that the increase in bismuth content increased sample crystallization and surface pores. The estimated mass energy absorption coefficients of the samples varied from 0.0177 to 11.7578 cm2/g for TVS, 0.0182–14.5218 cm2/g for TVS-Bi10, and 0.0187–17.7615 cm2/g for TVS-Bi20 for photon energies between 15 keV and 15 MeV. At 1 mm glass thickness and for 100 keV gamma rays, the dose rate was 13 MR/h, 17 MR/h, and 22 MR/h for TVS, TVS-Bi10, and TVS-Bi20, respectively. The mass stopping powers of electrons at 15 keV have values of 12.37 MeV cm2/g 12.21 MeV cm2/g, and 12.03 MeV cm2/g for TVS, TVS-Bi10, and TVS-Bi20, respectively. Generally, the ranges of the CPs were such that those of TVS > TVS-Bi10>TVS-Bi20. Bi2O3 increases the electron, proton, alpha particle, and carbon ion absorbing features of the TVS-BiX samples. Bi2O3 suppresses photon scattering, makes the TVS glass more sensitive to photon and charged particle interaction and absorption. The investigated glasses are useful for gamma-radiation, light, and heavy ion absorption and protection technology.