Synthesis and characterization of waste CRT glasses through physical, optical and structural properties: A comprehensive study on recycling

Abstract

This study aimed to fabricate a new glass system based on x Bi2O3 – (100-x)CRT (x; 0, 1, 3, and 5 wt%)) and to carry out a broad range characterization studies. For this aim, the glasses produced by melt quenching method were coded as Bi0, Bi1, Bi3 and Bi5, and their physical properties were figured out. The amorphous nature of the glasses was confirmed by XRD measurements. FTIR spectroscopy was used to detect possible vibration modes of glasses produced. UV- absorption spectra of Bi0-Bi5 glasses were saved between 300 and 1100 nm. The direct band gap (Eg) values reduce from 3.50 to 3.46 eV with the enhancing Bi2O3 insertion while the indirect Egs declined from 3.40 to 3.29 eV. The gamma-transmission measurements were performed for 30.9–383 keV photon energies using radioactive source of 133Ba. Mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) of the Bi0-Bi5 samples were calculated experimentally and matched with EpiXS program and MCNPX simulation outcomes. Using MAC data, other concerned gamma parameters were obtained. We found from results observed that the addition of Bi2O3 obviously enhanced the photon protection ability of the waste CRT glasses. Additionally, it was found that adding Bi2O3 had no discernible effect on attenuation effectiveness against fast neutrons. The findings indicate that Bi5 glass could be a feasible alternative for optical and nuclear shielding applications.