The role of ZrO2 as glass-network former on radiation transmission properties of aluminoborosilicate (ABS) glasses: A glass type for nuclear waste immobilization

Abstract

We report the gamma-ray shielding properties, transmission factors and, effective removal cross section values of several aluminoborosilicate glasses that have been synthesized through various glass-forming materials such as Al2O3, B2O3, SiO2, and ZrO2. The study utilized the elemental compositions and densities of eight different glass samples as input variables in theoretical calculations and Monte Carlo simulations. According to the results obtained, it was seen that the network-forming type used in aluminoborosilicate glasses had a direct effect on the radiation absorption properties of the glasses. The utilization of ZrO2 and Cs2O at the highest concentration as the network former and glass network modifier in the NCBZ-6 sample yielded the most advantageous results in relation to its gamma-ray absorption capabilities. The benefit is intrinsically related to the heightened density of glass and the incorporation of compounds with increased atomic numbers, both of which are fundamental characteristics desired in materials designed for the purpose of gamma-ray absorption. However, the enhanced capability of ZrO2 to absorb gamma-rays excludes the absorption of high-energy neutrons. The absence of boron trioxide (B2O3) in the NCBZ-6 sample can be ascribed to its restricted availability against fast neutrons. The continued existence of ZrO2 as a network forming in the investigated ABS glasses is likely to result in improved material homogeneity and progressive enhancement of gamma-ray absorption characteristics. It can be concluded that the incorporation of ZrO2 as a network-former component may be an appropriate strategy to enhance the gamma-ray shielding capabilities of aluminoborosilicate glasses.