Bismuth Borate Research Articles

Trivalent Ions and Their Impacts on Effective Conductivity at 300 K and Radio-Protective Behaviors of Bismo-Borate Glasses: A Comparative Investigation for Al, Y, Nd, Sm, Eu.

We aimed to determine the contribution of various trivalent ions like Al and rare-earths (Y, Nd, Sm, Eu) on resistance behaviors of different types of bismo-borate glasses. Accordingly, eight different bismuth borate glasses from the system: 40Bi2O3–59B2O3–1Tv2O3 (where Tv = Al, Y, Nd, Sm, and Eu) and three glasses of (40Bi2O3–60B2O3; 37.5Bi2O3–62.5B2O3; and 38Bi2O3–60B2O3–2Al2O3) compositions were extensively investigated in terms of their nuclear attenuation shielding properties, along with effective conductivity and buildup factors. The Py-MLBUF online platform was also utilized for determination of some essential parameters. Next, attenuation coefficients, along with half and tenth value layers, have been determined in the 0.015 MeV–15 MeV photon energy range. Moreover, effective atomic numbers and effective atomic weight, along with exposure and energy absorption buildup factors, were determined in the same energy range. The result showed that the type of trivalent ion has a direct effect on behaviors of bismo-borate glasses against ionizing gamma-rays. As incident photon energy increases, the effective thermal conductivity decreases rapidly, especially in the low energy range, where photoelectric effects dominate the photon–matter interaction. Sample 8 had the minimum heat conductivity at low photon energies; our findings showed that Eu-reinforced bismo-borate glass composition, namely 40Bi2O3–59B2O3–1Eu2O3, with a glass density of 6.328 g/cm3 had superior gamma-ray attenuation properties. These outcomes would be useful for the scientific community to observe the most suitable additive rareearth type and related glass composition for providing the aforementioned shielding properties, in terms of needs and utilization requirements.

Influence of ZnF2/PbF2 on physical and structural characteristics of bismuth borate glasses reinforced with chromium ions

This study presents the preparation of zinc, lead co-doped fluoride based bismuth borate glasses reinforced with Cr3+ ions with the chemical formula ZPBBCR: xZnF2-(25-x) PbF2-25Bi2O3- 49.8B2O3-0.2Cr2O3 (where x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mol%). These ZPBBCR samples were characterized using various physical and structural analyses. For density values the decreasing trend is followed with increase in ZnF2 content while the molar volume followed the increasing trend. Characteristic absorption bands at 450 nm, 610 nm, and 710 nm are assigned to their respective transitions which are observed in UV-Visible spectra. The acquired optical band gap values shown enhancement in their magnitude with excess ZnF2 content. The interactions and characteristic of the Cr3+ ion is observed in EPR spectra. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) in hand with Raman spectra supports the decrease in density values with increase in ZnF2 concentration in ZPBBCR glasses.

Enhancement of shielding ability using PbF2 in Fe-reinforced bismuth borate glasses

Enhancement of shielding ability using PbF2 in Fe-reinforced bismuth borate glasses

Radiation attenuation properties of B2O3-ZnO-Al2O3-Bi2O3-Sm2O3 glasses

Abstract The goal of this study is to examine theoretically radiation absorption properties of zinc alumino bismuth borate (BZnAlBiSm) glasses with chemical formula 60B2O3-9ZnO-(30-x)Al2O3-xBi2O3-1Sm2O3 where x = 5, 10, 15 and 20 mol%. The linear and mass attenuation coefficents of BZnAlBiSm glasses turn out as this trend BZnAlBiSm-1<BZnAlBiSm-2<BZnAlBiSm-3<BZnAlBiSm-4. The BZnAlBiSm-4 with the smallest half value layers, tenth value layers and mean free paths in the examined energy ranges has the superior radiation shielding characteristics among the BZnAlBiSm glasses. The BZnAlBiSm-4 glass has the highest radiation protection efficiency among the BZnAlBiSm glasses. The transmission factors increase as photon energy range enhances from 0.015 to 15 MeV and thickness declines from 2.5 to 0.5 cm. The energy buildup factors and energy absorption buildup factors of BZnAlBiSm glasses reduce from 15 to 1 mfp. Variation of the effective atomic number and effective electron density as a function of photon energy for BZnAlBiSm glasses are similar. The projected ranges of electron, proton, alpha and carbon for the BZnAlBiSm glasses increase as photon energy enlarges. The fast neutron removal cross sections of the BZnAlBiSm glasses vary in order of BZnAlBiSm-4<BZnAlBiSm-3<BZnAlBiSm-2<BZnAlBiSm-1. Thus, it can be concluded that BZnAlBiSm-1 has the highest neutron absorption ability among the BZnAlBiSm glasses.

Comparative shielding behavior of binary PbO-B2O3 and Bi2O3-B2O3 glasses with high heavy metal oxide contents towards gamma irradiation revealed by collective optical, FTIR and ESR measurements

Selected glasses with high percent of heavy metal oxides (60-85 mol%) from the two binary systems (PbO-B2O3) and (Bi2O3-B2O3) were prepared. Collective characterization of the prepared glasses was carried out through optical, FTIR and ESR spectral measurements before and after gamma irradiation. Optical absorption data of these glasses indicate the appearance of distinct UV absorption bands which are related to unavoidable contaminated trace iron impurities (Fe3+ ions) together with the presence of absorption due to Pb2+ or Bi3+ ions. Gamma irradiation causes some obvious variations in the UV spectra of the lead borate glasses but the bismuth borate glasses are more stable. FTIR spectral measurements reveal the appearance of vibrational bands due to triangular BO3 and tetrahedral BO4 groups within their different characteristic wavenumbers. The deconvoluted IR spectra refer to the interfering vibrational bands due to PbO4, BiO3, BiO6 groups beside the presence of the two highly distinguish differently coordinated borate groups (BO3, BO4). The effects of gamma irradiation on the FTIR spectra are limited on lead borate glasses and bismuth borate glasses but are more noticed in the equalization of the intensities of both the vibrations due to tetrahedral and triangular borate groups due to the light weight of the boron element which shows response in triangular groups but less effect in compact tetrahedral borate groups. Also, the near-IR bands due to vibrations of OH, water are observed to decrease dut to their loose bonding in the network.ESR data indicate the stabilization upon irradiation of Bi2O3-B2O3 glass while the PbO-B2O3 show small changes.

Optical properties and laser prediction of strontium bismuth borate glasses doped with neodymium Ions

Neodymium strontium bismuth borate glass samples were prepared using the traditional technique of high-temperature melting. The optical absorption spectra of the studied samples were recorded at room temperature. Analyzing the recorded spectra, important optical parameters were determined; for example, refractive index, optical dielectric constant, the indirect optical band gap and Urbach energy. The calculated Judd-Ofelt parameters exhibited trend which is Ω2 > Ω6 > Ω4. Moreover, the experimental and calculated oscillator strengths of the radiative 4f transitions, their lifetimes τ, refractive indices n, the emission, absorption cross sections and the branching ratio β were all determined and investigated. Calculations of the optical gain coefficient for all emission peaks revealed the possibility to use the present glass in laser emission materials and optical communication applications.

Nanosecond pulsed deep-red laser source by intracavity frequency-doubled crystalline Raman laser.

We demonstrated a deep-red laser source by intracavity frequency-doubled crystalline Raman laser for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The actively Q-switched 1314 nm Nd:LiYF4 laser was first converted to the eye-safe Raman laser using a KGd(WO4)2 (KGW) crystal, which was subsequently frequency-doubled in a bismuth borate crystal. Benefiting from the KGW bi-axial properties, the deep-red laser source was able to lase separately at two different spectral lines at 730 and 745 nm. Under an optimal repetition rate of 4 kHz, the maximum average powers of 1.7 and 2.0 W were attained with good beam quality of M2≈1.7. The corresponding pulse durations were determined to be 3.0 and 2.8 ns with the peak powers up to approximately 140 and 180 kW, respectively.

Fabrication, structure, physical and optical features of the 50B2O3 + 25Bi2O3 + (25-x) Li2O + xSrO2 glasses

The purpose of this investigation is to study the physical, structural and optical characteristics of a newly fabricated SrO2 doped lithium bismuth borate glass system. The current glass system was fabricated according to the chemical formula 50B2O3 + 25Bi2O3 + (25-x) Li2O + xSrO2, utilizing the solid state- conventional method. It was noticed that The glass density increased from 4.821 to 5.952 g cm−3 whilst the molar volume was decreasing in the range from 32.93 to 30.44 cm3 mol−1 with increase the SrO2 insertion from 0 (BBLSr0 glasses) to 25 (BBLSr25) respectively. The structure of the fabricated glasses was inspected utilizing X-ray diffraction method which clarified that the insertion of SrO2 didn’t affect the amorphous nature of the tested samples. Furthermore, the UV–vis absorption spectrum was utilized to study the UV absorption characteristics for the fabricated glasses. The UV–vis absorption spectrum showed that the absorption and transition bands increase with insertion of the SrO2 contents. Based on the UV/Vis data, several important optical features were calculated like the energy gap (Eg), Urbach energy (Eu), oscillator energy (Eo) and energy of distribution (Ed). Increasing the SrO2 substitution ratio led to increase the optical properties where the refractive index was found to increase from 3.056 to 5.710.

Photoluminescence and nonlinear optical investigations on Eu2O3 doped sodium bismuth borate glasses for solid state lighting and near-infrared optical limiting applications

Tri–positive rare earth ions activated alkali heavy metal borate glasses were designed and synthesised using melt–quenching process. Photoluminescence (PL), nonlinear optical (NLO), and optical limiting (OL) attributes of titled glasses have been systematically investigated in order to understand the efficacy of tri–valent europium ions and the obtained results are discussed in detail. The PL attributes were assessed with the blue light pumping. The NLO and OL features were evaluated in 700–1000 nm spectral region using femtosecond laser pulses. The two–photon absorption and nonlinear refractive index coefficients were found to be increased with elevation of Eu2O3 content to higher doping whereas the OL threshold factors exhibited an opposite behaviour. The PL and Judd–Ofelt analysis revealed the glass matrices containing high concertation of tri–valent europium ions are more useful for red lighting applications when excited with blue light. NLO and OL results suggest the strong Eu3+ containing glasses are ideal materials for designing optical limiters of high power to work in near infrared region with femtosecond pulses.

Probing of nuclear radiation attenuation and mechanical features for lithium bismuth borate glasses with improving Bi2O3 content for B2O3 + Li2O amounts

Against photon energies extending from 0.015 to 15 MeV, MCNPX, FLUKA and PHITS codes are operated to simulate mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) for a total of ten B2O3-Bi2O3-Li2O glass compositions with added Bi2O3 amount from 10 to 55 mol% (5 mol% growth gradually) as a substitute for total (B2O3 + Li2O) mol% content. All the computed μ/ρ values correctness is examined by Py-MLBUF and WinXCOM programs’ μ/ρ outcomes and we found a good agreement among them. 55Bi2O3-35B2O3-10Li2O (mol%) glass half-value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) quantities are compared with distinct commercial γ-ray attenuating glasses, alloys, polymers, concretes and lead and ceramics corresponding values. Next, equivalent atomic numbers (Zeq) and by employing geometric progression (G–P) fitting method at 1–40 mfp PDs (penetration depths), at 0.015–15 MeV energy range ‘buildup factors’ were calculated. At all chosen twenty-five energies derived radiation protection efficiency (RPE) results assured investigated samples exemplary competence for low energy photons absorption. Applying SRIM codes ΨP and ΦP and ΨA and ΦA (mass stopping powers (MSPs) and projected ranges (PRs) for protons and α-particles), and making use of ESTAR database ΨE (electron MSP) and continuous slowing‐down approximation (CSDA) range for electrons are determined at KE (kinetic energy) range of 0.015–15 MeV. Moreover, fast neutron removal cross-sections (ΣR), for 0.0253 eV energy neutrons absorption cross-sections have been estimated. Deduced ΣR was altered at 0.1105–0.1205 cm−1 range with Bi2O3 inclusion in studied samples. 10Bi2O3-70B2O3-20Li2O (mol%) glass has greater total cross-section (=23.251 cm−1) for thermal neutrons absorption while 55Bi2O3-35B2O3-10Li2O (mol%) sample exhibits quality shielding factors for photons and fast neutrons confirming the included Bi2O3 positive impact. Along with nuclear attenuation features various physical and mechanical aspects are also inspected. Derived Vm (molar volume), OPD (oxygen packing density), Vo (oxygen molar volume), Vt (packing density) and Gt (dissociation energy per unit volume) values indicated glasses rigidity. Following Makishima–Mackenzie's theoretical model primary mechanical features like Y, K, S and L (Young's, bulk, shear and longitudinal modulus) and σ (Poisson's ratio) are evaluated where 10Bi2O3-70B2O3-20Li2O (mol%) glass shows better elastic moduli in all samples.

Detailed Inspection of γ-ray, Fast and Thermal Neutrons Shielding Competence of Calcium Oxide or Strontium Oxide Comprising Bismuth Borate Glasses.

For both the B2O3-Bi2O3-CaO and B2O3-Bi2O3-SrO glass systems, γ-ray and neutron attenuation qualities were evaluated. Utilizing the Phy-X/PSD program, within the 0.015–15 MeV energy range, linear attenuation coefficients (µ) and mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) were calculated, and the attained μ/ρ quantities match well with respective simulation results computed by MCNPX, Geant4, and Penelope codes. Instead of B2O3/CaO or B2O3/SrO, the Bi2O3 addition causes improved γ-ray shielding competence, i.e., rise in effective atomic number (Zeff) and a fall in half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), and mean free path (MFP). Exposure buildup factors (EBFs) and energy absorption buildup factors (EABFs) were derived using a geometric progression (G–P) fitting approach at 1–40 mfp penetration depths (PDs), within the 0.015–15 MeV range. Computed radiation protection efficiency (RPE) values confirm their excellent capacity for lower energy photons shielding. Comparably greater density (7.59 g/cm3), larger μ, μ/ρ, Zeff, equivalent atomic number (Zeq), and RPE, with the lowest HVL, TVL, MFP, EBFs, and EABFs derived for 30B2O3-60Bi2O3-10SrO (mol%) glass suggest it as an excellent γ-ray attenuator. Additionally, 30B2O3-60Bi2O3-10SrO (mol%) glass holds a commensurably bigger macroscopic removal cross-section for fast neutrons (ΣR) (=0.1199 cm−1), obtained by applying Phy-X/PSD for fast neutrons shielding, owing to the presence of larger wt% of ‘Bi’ (80.6813 wt%) and moderate ‘B’ (2.0869 wt%) elements in it. 70B2O3-5Bi2O3-25CaO (mol%) sample (B: 17.5887 wt%, Bi: 24.2855 wt%, Ca: 11.6436 wt%, and O: 46.4821 wt%) shows high potentiality for thermal or slow neutrons and intermediate energy neutrons capture or absorption due to comprised high wt% of ‘B’ element in it.

Characterization of optical and radiation shielding behaviors of ferric oxide reinforced bismuth borate glass

This study aimed to investigate the ferric oxide effect on optical and radiation shielding behaviors of bismuth borate glasses. Gamma-ray attenuation competencies of six glass samples along with optical properties were investigated in terms of their utilization suitability as a shield or personal protection equipment in industrial and medical fields. The chemical composition (60-x) B2O3 + 20Bi2O3 + 20Li2O+xFe2O3 with different Fe2O3 concentrations were prepared using the melt-quenching technique. Gamma-ray attenuation competencies of six glass samples along with optical properties were investigated in terms of their utilization suitability in industrial and medical fields. The outcomes of optical investigations indicated that direct optical band gap (Eg direct) decrease from 5.11 eV to 4.82 eV, while for indirect transition (Eg indirect) decrease from 4.62 eV to 3.79 eV, with increasing Fe2O3 concentrations. To determine the radiation shielding performance, mass attenuation coefficients (μ m) of samples were calculated using FLUKA code and XCOM program between 0.015–15 MeV photon energy range. Accordingly, gamma shielding parameters such as mass (MAC) and linear (LAC) attenuation coefficients, half-value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic numbers (Zeff), electron density (Nel), and fast neutron removal cross sections (ΣR) were evaluated for all glass samples. The results showed that increasing Fe2O3 concentration in glass structure increased the MAC and Zeff. The Fe-10 was reported with the lowest HVL values in addition to the highest MAC and Zeff values.

Tailoring bismuth borate glasses by incorporating PbO/GeO2 for protection against nuclear radiation

Nuclear radiation shielding capabilities for a glass series 20Bi2O3 − xPbO − (80 − 2x)B2O3 − xGeO2 (where x = 5, 10, 20, and 30 mol%) have been investigated using the Phy-X/PSD software and Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code. The mass attenuation coefficients (μm) of selected samples have been estimated through XCOM dependent Phy-X/PSD program and MCNP-5 code in the photon-energy range 0.015–15 MeV. So obtained μm values are used to calculate other γ-ray shielding parameters such as half-value layer (HVL), mean-free-path (MFP), etc. The calculated μm values were found to be 71.20 cm2/g, 76.03 cm2/g, 84.24 cm2/g, and 90.94 cm2/g for four glasses S1 to S4, respectively. The effective atomic number (Zeff)values vary between 69.87 and 17.11 for S1 or 75.66 and 29.11 for S4 over 0.05–15 MeV of photon-energy. Sample S4, which has a larger PbO/GeO2 of 30 mol% in the bismuth-borate glass, possesses the lowest MFP and HVL, providing higher radiation protection efficiency compared to all other combinations. It shows outperformance while compared the calculated parameters (HVL and MFP) with the commercial shielding glasses, different alloys, polymers, standard shielding concretes, and ceramics. Geometric Progression (G-P) was applied for evaluating the energy absorption and exposure buildup factors at energies 0.015–15 MeV with penetration depths up to 40 mfp. The buildup factors showed dependence on the MFP and photon-energy as well. The studied samples' neutron shielding behavior was also evaluated by calculating the fast neutron removal cross-section (ΣR), i.e. found to be 0.139 cm−1 for S1, 0.133 cm−1 for S2, 0.128 cm−1 for S3, and 0.12 cm−1 for S4. The results reveal a great potential for using a glass composite sample S4 in radiation protection applications.

Gamma-ray shielding studies on borate glasses containing BaO, Bi2O3, and PbO in different concentrations

Mass attenuation coefficients (μm), half value layer (HVL), effective atomic cross sections (σa), effective atomic numbers (Zeff) and effective electron densities (Neff) of borate glasses containing different concentrations of BaO, Bi2O3, and PbO (20–50% by mole) were obtained in the energy range of 10 keV–10 MeV using MCNPX code, XCOM and XMuDat programs, Auto-Zeff software and linear interpolation method. The simulated and calculated results were in good agreement with the experimental data with differences of ≤ ± 11%. It was found that σa and Zeff of glass samples improve by increasing their BaO, PbO and Bi2O3 contents, while increasing these contents to the same fraction has no significant effect on μm values in the energy range of 0.3–6 MeV, where the Compton Effect takes over as dominant process. In addition, the μm and σa values of glasses decreased with photon energy and bismuth oxide borate glass obtained the highest values of μm and σa. Also, HVL values of the studied glasses decreased with the increase in their densities. The 50Bi2O3:50B2O3 glass system had the highest Zeff value of 55.60 at the 30 keV photon energy. Above 0.4 MeV photon energy, Neff values were independent of the metal oxides contents. The Neff values of the studied glass systems varied in the range of 2.77 × 1023 – 9.10 × 1023 electron/g.

Optical and structural studies of some zinc calcium borate glasses for optoelectronic device applications

Samples of bismuth borate glasses were prepared by the melt-quenching method, following the molar ratio formula [(58.4–2x) mol% B2O3 + (18.8 + x) mol% ZnO + (18.8 + x) mol% CaO + 4 mol% Bi2O3)], where x = 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 and equal concentrations of zinc oxide and calcium oxide were incorporated into the glass matrix. The structural analysis of the prepared materials was characterized using X-ray diffraction measurements, where each sample showed highly homogenous glassy nature. Deconvolution of X-ray diffraction data was employed to separate unresolved bands, and results manifested the existence of two micro-nucleating agents at 2θ values about 30° and 50°. Optical and optoelectronic properties of the present glasses were assessed using the UV optical absorption. Introducing both zinc and calcium oxides increased the glass transparency for electromagnetic radiation in the UV region. Additionally, values of Fermi energy, Urbach energy, optical conductivity, and the linear refractive index were decreased by the incorporation of both zinc and calcium oxides, while the quality factor was increased. Our results suggest the studied materials for optical filtering, optical switching, and optoelectronic device applications.

Influence of CaF2 on spectroscopic studies of lead fluoro bismuth borate glasses doped with Cr3+ ions

An extensive study has been carried out to predict the physical and structural properties of CPBBCR: CaF2-PbF2-Bi2O3-B2O3Cr2O3 glasses. The changes in the density & molar volume due to the substitution of PbF2 by CaF2 have been discussed in terms of relative crystal densities of PbF2 & CaF2. The detailed UV–visible spectra for the CPBBCR samples have been done to study the variation of optical band, Urbach energy and Rachah parameters. The EPR spectrum of Cr3+ doped glass sample exhibited broad resonance signal with effective g = 4.12 and g = 1.97. Deconvoluted Raman spectra are used to attain hidden peaks in the Raman spectra. With the increase in CaF2, Raman spectra suggested that the there is a transfer of [BO4] to [BO3]. FTIR analysis of these samples confirmed the presence of metal cation vibrations, BiO3, BO3 & BO4 units. FTIR spectra also confirmed that the Bi2O3 will act as network modifier.

Nanosecond nonlinear optical, optical limiting and gamma radiation shielding attributes of Eu3+ ions doped heavy metal borate glasses

Bismuth borate glasses activated with different Eu2O3 concentrations were synthesised by the traditional melt–quenching method. The efficacy of Eu3+ ions concentration on nanosecond third–order nonlinear optical, optical limiting and gamma radiation shielding attributes was systematically studied and discussed. The nonlinear optical and optical limiting features were studied at 532 nm excitation under nanosecond laser pulses using Z–scan technique. The two-photon absorption coefficient was enhanced from 1.55 × 10−11 to 2.37 × 10−11 m/W, the nonlinear refractive index was increased from 1.61 × 10−18 to 3.28 × 10−18 m2/W while the optical limiting threshold value was reduced from 2.451 × 109 to 0.292 × 109 J/m2 with increase in Eu2O3 concentration in the glass composition. This increase in two-photon absorption coefficient and decrease in optical limiting threshold values with respect to Eu3+ions clearly reveal the high Eu3+ containing (NBiBEu2 in the present investigation) glasses are beneficial for the construction of power optical limiters to work in visible (532 nm) spectral region under nanosecond regime. The radiation attenuation factors were determined between 0.276 and 1.275 MeV using Phy–X program. The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) varied between 0.375 and 0.377 cm−1 at 0.276 MeV, and the maximum LAC was reported at this energy. With further increase in the energy, we found that the attenuation competence of the prepared glasses begins to weaken, and the lowest attenuation ability was found at 1.275 MeV. The effective atomic number (Zeff) was computed, and we found that the Zeff follows the order: NBiBEu2> NBiBEu1.5> NBiBEu1> NBiBEu0.5> NBiBEu0. The tenth value layer (TVL) for NBiBEu0 increases from 1.001 cm at 0.276 MeV, to 1.600 cm at 0.356 MeV, to 2.750 cm at 0.511 MeV and to 6.545 cm at 1.275 MeV.

Research on the effects of bismuth borate glass system on nuclear radiation shielding parameters

There has been an increasing number of research and development activities focusing on the use of different glass systems for their nuclear radiation shielding features. In this study a simulation study has been carried out at a wide photon energy region in order to investigate the radiation protection feature of bismuth borate glasses. This study has been conducted to evaluate the proficiency level of six different glass systems (70-x)B2O3 + xBi2O3 + 15ZnO + 15Na2O (where x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mol%) exposed to photon, charged particle (H1) and (He+2) and neutron. For this investigation, transmission factors (TF), mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), effective electron density (Neff) have been computed. The results confirm that the parameters of the examined glasses MAC, HVL, TVL, MFP, Zeff, and Neff are associated with photon energy and chemical composition. In addition, neutron effective cross-sections (∑R) have been computed for bismuth borates and it was seen a good harmony. The computations for present samples have been examined over a broad energy range from 0.01 to 20 MeV and theoretical results have been obtained by using MCNPX software for transmission factors. In addition, simulation results have been calculated with the WinXCom program. Furthermore, MSP and PR calculations of the bismuth borate glass have been performed to figure out the radiation shielding features. For that reason, the SRIM code has been used to simulate H1 and He+2 particles. Considering the results obtained from this research, which examines the radiation protection of bismuth borate glasses, indicates that the best shielding achievement (while the HVL, TVL, MFP, TF have the lowest and the highest (∑R) values) is reached at 25% Bi2O3. As can be seen in the results, the addition of bismuth affirms that the use of such glass systems improves the radiation protection feature. In particular, 25%Bi2O3 glass system has been proved to show superior shielding properties for gamma radiation in combination with charged particles. Since the glass sample with the highest bismuth additive is 25%Bi2O3, the most radiation protection effect is also seen in this example. The obtained material has a satisfactory radiation shielding property as bismuth is added to the mixture.

Investigation of optical and physical properties of zinc sodium bismuth borate glass system

A glass system with composition xZnO-(15-x)Na2O-15Bi2O3-70B2O3 (where x=0, 6, 8, 10, 12 mol %) have been prepared by conventional melt quenching technique in order to investigate the some physical and optical properties with impact of ZnO in the sodium bismuth borate glasses. The optical analysis of glass system is carried out by UV-Vis spectroscopic measurement technique. The optical study reveal that cut off wavelength and Urbach energy decreases while optical band gap increases with the addition of ZnO content. Further, the compositional dependence of different physical and optical parameters such as ion concentration, polaron radii, inter nuclear distance, molar refraction, molar polarizability, reflection loss, metallization criterion, refractive index and dielectric constant have also been evaluated.

Short-range structure, the role of bismuth and property-structure correlations in bismuth borate glasses.

Bismuth-containing borate glasses, xBi2O3-(1 - x)B2O3, were synthesized in the broad composition range 0.20 ≤ x ≤ 0.80 by melting in Pt crucibles and splat-quenching between two metal blocks. Infrared reflectance spectra, measured in the range 30-5000 cm-1, were transformed into absorption coefficient spectra and then deconvoluted into component bands to probe the glass structure as a function of composition. Integrated intensities of bands above 800 cm-1 were used in combination with mass and charge balance equations to quantify the short-range borate structure in terms of the molar fractions X4m, X4o, X3, X2, X1 and X0 for borate units BØ4-, BØ2O23-, BØ3, BØ2O-, BØO22- and BO33-, where Ø and O- denote bridging and non-bridging oxygen atoms. Borate tetrahedral units were found to be present in both the meta-borate, BØ4-, and ortho-borate, BØ2O23-, forms with BØ4- constituting the dominating tetrahedral species for 0.20 ≤ x ≤ 0.70. The BØ2O23- units prevail at higher Bi2O3 levels (x > 0.7), and coexist with their isomeric triangular borate species BO33- (BØ2O23- ⇌ BO33-). The present IR results for the total molar fraction of borate tetrahedral units, X4 = X4m + X4o, are in very good agreement with reported NMR results for the fraction of boron atoms in four-fold coordination, N4. Besides evaluating X4m and X4o, the present work reports also for the first time the fractions of all types of triangular borate species X3-n with n = 0, 1, 2 and 3. The IR region below 550 cm-1 was found to be dominated by the Bi-O vibrational activity in coexisting ionic (160-230 cm-1) and distorted BiO6 sites (330-365 cm-1 and 475-510 cm-1), a result reflecting the dual role of Bi2O3 as glass-modifier and glass-former oxide. The latter role dominates in glasses exceeding 60 mol% Bi2O3, and is consistent with the extended glass formation in the bismuth-borate system. The structural results were used to calculate the average number of bridging B-Ø bonds per boron center, the average Bi-O and B-O single bond energy, and the atomic packing density of the studied glasses. These properties vary approximately linearly with Bi2O3 content in the three regimes 0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.4, 0.4 < x ≤ 0.6 and 0.6 < x ≤ 0.83, and contribute collectively to the composition dependence of glass transition temperature.