Synthesis and characterization of Bi2O3–B2O3–SiO2–MgO glasses: Structural, optical, and shielding properties

Abstract

The systematic investigation of the impact of Bi2O3 on the structural, spectroscopic, and radiation features of 15SiO2 - 75B2O3 - (10-x) MgO - xBi2O3, x= (0 ≤ x ≥ 10) glasses were studied. The increase in glass density as Bi2O3 content increase is due to the incorporation of Bi2O3 into the glass network. XRD patterns indicate an amorphous, glassy nature of the glasses. The optical absorption spectra suggest that as the content of Bi2O3 increases, the optical band gap (Eopt.) widens and the Urbach energy (Eu) decreases. It has been observed that the opposite trend between the (Eopt.) and (Eu). The radiation shielding characteristics of MgBi glasses have been evaluated through the assessment of several fundamental radiation attenuation variables. As Bi2O3 content increases would enhance properties like (HVL), (MFP), and (Zeq), especially at lower energy ranges. Adding Bi2O3 to the glassy system has a positive impact on enhancing its neutron attenuation ability. The MgBi-10 glass has the best shielding performance against fast neutrons. The MgBi-10 glass sample shows promising properties for optical and radiation shielding purposes.