Gamma-ray Attenuation Properties Research Articles

New lead barium borate glass system for radiation shielding applications: impacts of copper (II) oxide on physical, mechanical, and gamma-ray attenuation properties

Abstract The current work seeks to develop a novel CuO-doped lead calcium barium borate glass using the melt quenching method at 1100 °C. There was a 3.91–4.49 g/cm3 change in the fabricated glasses’ density, with a respective 0–15 mol.% increase in the CuO concentration. Additionally, substituting CuO for B2O3 reduced the fabricated glasses mechanical properties due to the decreased dissociation energy between 63.99 and 60.50 kcal/cm3, and the packing factor decreased between 15.22 and 13.23 cm3/mol. Through increasing the fabricated glasses’ CuO concentration, there was a decrease in the bulk, longitudinal, shear, and mechanical Young moduli. Moreover, Monte Carlo simulation (energy interval: 0.033–2.506 MeV) was employed to evaluate the fabricated glasses’ ability to shield gamma rays. A 0–15 mol.% increase in the CuO concentration raised the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) between 14.081 and 16.797 cm−1 (0.059 MeV), 0.325–0.371 cm−1 (0.662 MeV), and 0.154–0.176 cm−1 (2.506 MeV). The LAC enhancement reduced the required half value thickness of the fabricated glasses by 16.2 %, 12.53 %, and 12.85 % at the of 0.059, 0.662, and 2.506 MeV gamma ray energies.

Enhancing optical and radiation shielding properties: A dive into Bi2O3-Infused glasses

In the world of contemporary glass research, the subtle interplay between composition and resulting properties is of paramount importance. The structural, optical, and gamma-ray attenuation properties of BiNb(x) glasses having a formula xBi2O3–(20-x)Nb2O5–B2O3–Li2O–SiO2 (where x = 0,5,10,15 and 20 mol%) were investigated. This study delves deep into the transformative role of Bi2O3 when introduced into the glass matrix, a journey from opacity to enlightening transparency. The density of the BiNb glass system was found to increase from 4.579 g/cm3 for pristine to 5.439 gm/cm3 for BiNb20. XRD analysis testifies the transfer of a pristine sample from a crystalline to a fully amorphous, with Bi2O3 as the catalyst. UV–visible spectra were investigated, and optical parameters were extracted. The optical bandgap (Eg) was decreased from 4eV for BiNb0 to 3.83eV for BiNb20. In addition, Eg value was used to evaluate the refractive index of the prepared BiNb glasses using various theoretical models. The refractive index of the Moss model increases from 2.208 for BiNb0 to 2.229 for BiNb20, besides the Moss, Herve-Vandamme, and Kumar-Singh models are compatible. The studied glass samples show a metallization criterion within the range of 0.434–0.447, indicating the potential for new optical materials with good nonlinearity. Moreover, gamma rays with energy ranging from 0.015 MeV to 15 MeV are used to highlight the shielding capabilities of the glasses. As the Bi2O3 fraction increases and the Nb2O5 decreases, the shielding capability of the prepared BiNb glass system increases.

Detailed investigations for mechanical and gamma-ray attenuation characteristics of B2O3-ZnO-BaO-TiO2 glasses doped with PbO

The effect of PbO addition with different concentrations on four synthesized zinc titanium borate glasses with the chemical formula xPbO-(75-x) B2O3-10ZnO-10BaO-5TiO2 (x = 30, 35, 40, and 45 mol%) was explored in this study. The partial PbO substitution for B2O3 increases the fabricated glasses' density by ≈ 20% from 5.31 to 6.37 g/cm3, respectively, with raising the PbO concentrations between 30 and 45 mol.%, respectively. Besides, the substitution mentioned above enhances the gamma-ray attenuation properties where the linear attenuation coefficient increased between 69.911 and 102.245 cm−1 (at 0.033 MeV), 0.341–0.415 cm−1 (at 1 MeV), and 0.200–0.262 cm−1 (at 10 MeV), increasing the PbO concentration between 30 and 45 mol.%, respectively. Simultaneously, increases in the PbO concentration within the fabricated glasses decrease the lead's equivalent thickness between 3.82 and 2.61 cm (at 0.033 MeV), 2.35–1.93 cm (at 1 MeV), and 2.81–2.14 cm (at 10 MeV). In contrast, substituting PbO for B2O3 compounds diminishes the fabricated glasses' mechanical properties, where the microhardness decreased by 13.5 % from 4.24 to 3.67 GPa. The lead equivalent thickness (Deq) values at 0.66 MeV were found equal to 2.410, 2.232, 2.078, and 1.945 cm, and at 1.112 MeV, these values were found equal to 2.222, 2.081, 1.956, and 1.829 cm for G1, G2, G3, and G4, respectively.

Optoelectronic and gamma ray attenuation properties of ore-based Bi and Sn-doped borosilicate glasses

Progress in glass science has given rise to innovative functional glasses, unlocking significant applications for creating cutting-edge materials such as solid-state batteries, solar cells, optical reinforcement, and medical technologies. In this study, rice husk silica, Bismuth (Bi) and Tin (Sn) oxide ores were used to fabricate a novel glass series. The electrical conductivity (i.e., dielectric constant) of the glasses increased with the dopant's gravimetric levels. The novel glass series also possesses good optical non-linearity with metallisation criteria ranging from 0.35 to 0.40, which points to a novel non-linear optical material. The non-bridging oxygen content in the new glasses exceeds the bridging oxygen, indicating high polarisation. The transmission coefficient decreased with increasing dopant concentration from 0.76 to 0.75, while the reflection loss decreased from 0.37 to 0.38. For the Caesium-137 energy, GS6 has a minimum HVL of ∼5.02 cm, which is ∼20 % lower than that of commercial Pb/Ba glass. For the two energies, GS6 has the least MFP, suggesting that the addition of dopants improved the efficiency of the glass attenuation. Process capability analysis based on Caesium-137 (661.7 keV) and overall performance analysis of the fabricated glass series revealed that GS3 glass (15 wt% dopant) is the optimal material, even outperforming the commercial Pb/Ba glass. Although Cobalt-60 (1253 keV) yielded comparable outcomes, concentrations beyond 15 wt% in GS3 showed marginal enhancements in the photon attenuation parameters of the glasses. Hence, the fabricated GS3 and the circular synthesis method of the glasses are cost-effective for low-energy gamma/X-ray shielding. The percentage deviation between the experimental data for MAC and that of Monte Carlo simulations for Cs-137 and Co-60 energies are both within 10 %, which validates the methods of this paper.

An extensive assessment of the impacts of BaO on the mechanical and gamma-ray attenuation properties of lead borosilicate glass

The current work deals with the synthesis of a new glass series with a chemical formula of 5Al2O3–25PbO–10SiO2–(60-x) B2O3–xBaO; x was represented as 5, 10, 15, and 20 mol%. The FT-IR spectroscopy was used to present the structural modification by rising the BaO concentration within the synthesized glasses. Furthermore, the impacts of BaO substitution for B2O3 on the fabricated borosilicate glasses were investigated using the Makishima-Mackenzie model. Besides, the role of BaO in enhancing the gamma-ray shielding properties of the fabricated boro-silicate glasses was examined utilizing the Monte Carlo simulation. The mechanical properties evaluation depicts a reduction in the mechanical moduli (Young, bulk, shear, and longitudinal) by the rising of the Ba/B ratio in the fabricated glasses. Simultaneously, the micro-hardness boro-silicate glasses was reduced from 4.49 to 4.12 GPa by increasing the Ba2+/B3+ ratio from 0.58 to 3.18, respectively. In contrast, the increase in the Ba/B ratio increases the linear attenuation coefficient, where it is enhanced between 0.409 and 0.448 cm−1 by rising the Ba2+/B3+ ratio from 0.58 to 3.18, respectively. The enhancement in linear attenuation coefficient decreases the half-value thickness from 1.69 to 1.55 cm and the equivalent thickness of lead is also reduced from 3.04 to 2.78 cm, at a gamma-ray energy of 0.662 MeV. The study shows that the increase in the Ba2+/B3+ ratio enhances the radiation shielding capacity of the fabricated glasses however, it slightly degrades the mechanical properties of the fabricated glasses. Therefore, glasses with high ratios of Ba2+/B3+ have high gamma-ray shielding ability to be used in hospitals as a shielding material.

An extensive benchmark analysis of advanced ceramic-concretes towards strategic material selection for nuclear applications and waste management

Ceramic concretes, with their exceptional durability and ability to incorporate a high percentage of heavy metal oxides, are of critical importance for nuclear radiation facilities, offering superior radiation attenuation characteristics essential for long-term safety and protection. This study presents a detailed evaluation of the gamma-ray shielding properties of various concrete composites, including Standard Concrete and Heavy Concretes (HC series), with densities ranging from 1.94 g/cm3 to 4.54 g/cm3. Utilizing computational methods, we analyzed several gamma-ray and neutron shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficients, linear attenuation coefficients, half and tenth value layers, mean free paths, exposure build-up factors, effective atomic number (Zeff), effective electron density (Neff), fast neutron effective removal cross-section (ΣR), and photon transmission factors (TFs). Our research reveals that the shielding efficacy of concrete is intrinsically linked to its density and elemental composition, with higher densities and the incorporation of heavy elements leading to enhanced attenuation capabilities. Among the concretes studied, Limonite with Steel Punch LS-a, which contains 74.53% Fe in its structure, exhibited the lowest transmission factors (TFs) across all tested thicknesses and energy levels (0.662, 1.1732, and 1.3325 MeV), indicating its superior photon attenuation potential. It can be concluded that the concrete samples with a higher Fe (iron) content in their structure demonstrate clear superiority in gamma-ray attenuation properties.

A comprehensive microstructural and transmission analysis on oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) alloys: Impact of erbium oxide (Er2O3) concentration on physical, structural, gamma-ray, and neutron attenuation properties

This study explores the impact of integrating varying concentrations of Erbium Oxide (Er2O3) into Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) alloys, specifically focusing on gamma-ray and neutron attenuation properties. Utilizing a 316L stainless steel matrix, Er2O3 was methodically incorporated in concentrations ranging from 1 % to 21 % by weight. The structural and radiation attenuation properties of the resultant alloys were comprehensively analyzed using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and experimental gamma-ray transmission studies. The results demonstrate a significant enhancement in gamma-ray shielding with increased Er2O3 content. This enhancement is quantitatively evidenced by increased linear attenuation coefficient, elevated effective Electron Density (Neff), reduced Half-Value Layers (HVL), and higher effective atomic numbers (Zeff). These findings are crucial for nuclear applications where efficient gamma-ray shielding is paramount. Conversely, a decrease in the effective removal cross section (ΣR) for neutron attenuation was observed with higher Er2O3 concentrations. This suggests a potential compromise in neutron shielding efficiency, attributed to the dilution of neutron-absorbing base elements in the alloy. Additionally, the study reveals notable changes in the microstructural properties of the alloys, including alterations in particle size, distribution, and agglomeration, influenced by varying Er2O3 concentrations. In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the design of ODS alloys for nuclear radiation shielding, highlighting the balance between gamma-ray attenuation and neutron shielding properties. The study's findings contribute to the development of advanced materials for safer and more efficient nuclear technology applications.

Gamma-ray attenuation properties of polymer biomaterials: Experiment, XCOM and GAMOS results

This study aims to compute and measure the linear attenuation coefficients of two biomaterials used in the human body as synthetic materials. These are used as bone cement and have applications in contact lens production and dentistry (coded as P1) also glass ionomer cement is a frequently preferred material in restorative dentistry applications (coded as P2). In the computational part of the study, a mono-energetic photon source between 1 keV and 20 MeV was used in the simulations performed using the GAMOS 6.2 program. In the experimental part, the linear attenuation coefficients of polymer materials were measured by using different radioactive sources at 6 different certain energies ranging from 511 to 1332 keV. A gamma spectrometer consisting of a NaI (Tl) detector was used for this purpose. Using the XCOM code, the experimental and simulation results were compared to the theoretical results, and a very good agreement was found between them. The simulation results demonstrated that the Monte Carlo technique can be used as an alternative to calculating the mass attenuation coefficients at the desired gamma energy, particularly for physically difficult to produce samples.

Exploring a monotonically non-decreasing behavioral function on shielding properties and transmission factors in borosilicate glasses through heavy metal oxide reinforcement

In this study, the gamma-ray attenuation properties and transmission factors of different types of glasses formed in the (B2O3)x[(ZnO)0.60-(SiO2)0.40]1-x system as a function of increasing heavy metal oxide ratio were investigated. For transmission factor and absorption coefficient calculations, the general-purpose Monte Carlo code MCNPX (2.7.0) was used. In addition, the Phy-X/PSD code is used to obtain some important gamma-ray shielding parameters. According to the obtained results, increasing the quantity of heavy metal oxide in the glass composition favorably affected the examined parameters and lowered the transmission factor and buildup factor values. Furthermore, it has been observed that parameters such as the absorption coefficient and the effective atomic number increase as a function of increasing heavy metal oxide contribution into glass configuration. The lowest half value layer values are reported for S1 sample. For example, half value layers are reported as 3.313 cm, 3.449 cm, 3.764 cm, 3.625 cm, 3.515 cm for S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5 sample at 1 MeV photon energy, respectively. According to the transmission factor values, S1 is the sample that allows the least transmission of primary photons and demonstrates the highest resistance. It was observed that the minimal exposure build-up factor and energy absorption buildup factor values for the S1 sample at 10 mean free paths. It can be concluded that the heavy metal oxide additive applied to borosilicate glasses creates a non-decreasing functional behavior effect that is monotonic in gamma-ray attenuation parameters.

Exploring the mechanical behavior and gamma ray attenuation properties of Bi2O3–BaO–V2O5 glasses

Exploring the mechanical behavior and gamma ray attenuation properties of Bi2O3–BaO–V2O5 glasses

An investigation on gamma-ray and neutron attenuation properties of multi-layered Al/B4C composite

Nowadays, the concept of multi-layered composite materials is attracting the researchers in terms of enhancing the capabilities of shielding materials as well as extending the scope of utilization towards space sciences and cosmic radiation application. In this study, we report the manufacturing, design, and experimental investigation on newly developed multi-layered Al/B4C shielding composites. Al powder material with a purity of 99% and an average size of 15 µm is used as matrix material. Next, B4C powders with an average size of 9 µm are incorporated into the matrix as reinforcement material. Accordingly, we manufactured several different multilayer Al-B4C shield samples of 3 cm diameter and 1 cm height through powder metallurgy method. Gamma-ray transmission properties are determined using 3 × 3 NaI(Tl) scintillation detector through 60Co and 137Cs point isotropic radioisotopes. Moreover, MCNPX (version 2.7.0) is utilized for deposited energy amount and transmission factor calculations for gamma and neutron radiation. Our results showed that geometric configuration plays a crucial role in shielding efficiency of multi-layered materials. Among the manufactured samples, B4C-Al-B4C sample is reported with promising shielding properties against gamma-ray and neutron radiation. A direct relationship between the overall transmission factor values and deposited energy amount (MeV/g) in each sample is also explored for multi-layered composite shields.It was also seen that combination of layers made significantly improvement of radiation shielding properties of materials.

Gamma-ray attenuation properties of vinyl ester composites with boron nitride reinforcement at different rates

Gamma-ray attenuation properties of vinyl ester composites with boron nitride reinforcement at different rates

Designing a Lead-free and high-density glass for radiation facilities: Synthesis, physical, optical, structural, and experimental gamma-ray transmission properties of newly designed barium-borosilicate glass sample

We report the design, synthesis, optical, structural, and gamma-ray attenuation properties of a newly developed Lead-free and high-density borosilicate glass sample for its potential applications in medical and industrial radiation facilities. A barium-borosilicate glass sample (BSBaZn) was designed and synthesized using nominal composition of 7B2O3-50SiO2-38ZnO-5BaO. The FTIR spectrum of the BSBaZn is revealed four fundamental regions. These regions are 400–620 cm−1, 620–770 cm−1, 800–1210 cm−1, and 1210–1500 cm−1. Transmittance rate in the wavelength range of 350–1100 nm is reported as 80 %. A high-purity Germanium (HPGe) detector along with an energetic 133Ba radioisotope is also utilized for experimental gamma-ray transmission studies. Various fundamental gamma-ray shielding parameters of BSBaZn are determined and accordingly compared with many other glass shields. MCNPX (version 2.7.0) general purpose Monte Carlo code is utilized for gamma-ray transmission factor (TF) values. The results showed that the synthesized BSBaZn sample has promising structural, optical, and physical properties in addition to promising gamma-ray attenuation properties. The high transparency of BSBaZn along with its high-density may be considered as an important selection criterion for its implementation in protection purposes in medical and industrial radiation facilities, where the source and patients monitoring play a significant role.

Tungsten (VI) oxide reinforced antimony glasses for radiation safety applications: A throughout investigation for determination of radiation shielding properties and transmission factors

We report the functional assessment of tungsten (VI) oxide on gamma-ray attenuation properties of 60Sb2O3-(40-x)NaPO3-xWO3 antimony glasses. The elemental mass-fractions and glass-densities of each glass sample are specified separately for the MCNPX Monte Carlo code. In addition to fundamental gamma absorption properties, Transmission Factors throughout a broad radioisotope energy range were measured. According to findings, holmium (Ho) incorporation into the glass structure resulted in a net increase of 0.3406 g/cm3, whereas cerium (Ce) addition resulted in a net increase of 0.2047 g/cm3. The 40% WO3 reinforced S7 sample was found to have the greatest LAC value, even though seven glass samples exhibited identical behavior. The S2 sample had the lowest HVL values among the glass groups evaluated in this work, computed in the energy range of 0.015–15 MeV. The lowest EBF and EABF values were reported for 40% WO3 reinforced S7 sample with the highest LAC and density values. According to the findings of this research, WO3 will likely make a significant contribution to the gamma ray absorption properties of antimony glasses, which are employed for optical and structural modification. Therefore, it can be concluded that WO3 may be treated monotonically and can be employed successfully in circumstances where gamma-ray absorption characteristics, optical properties, and structural qualities need to be enhanced.

A critical evaluation of structural, optical, and gamma-ray attenuation properties of novel erbium (III) oxide-reinforced borosilicate barium glass system

A borosilicate barium glass series doped by erbium (III) oxide was fabricated using the conventional melt quenching technique with a melting temperature of 1100 °C and an annealing temperature of 400 °C. The x-ray diffraction pattern confirms that the glass samples are amorphous and have no long-range atomic arrangement. The densities of the borosilicate barium enhanced from 2.9749 g cm−3 to 3.0126 g cm−3 with an increasing Er2O3 substitution ratio. The UV–vis spectrum measurement showed an enhancement in the refractive index of the samples from 2.311 to 2.336. The γ-ray shielding properties of the fabricated glasses were estimated between 0.059 and 1.332 MeV. The obtained results showed an enhancement in the linear attenuation coefficient with increasing the Er2O3 substitution ratio to the borosilicate barium glass at low γ-photon energies while no considerable enhancement was achieved in the high and intermediate γ-photon energies. At γ-photon energy of 0.059 MeV, the linear attenuation coefficient was enhanced by a factor of ≈38%, while this ratio dropped to less than 10% for high and intermediate γ-photon energy. The mentioned results showed that the low concentrations of Er2O3 possess a significant enhancement in optical properties and low γ- ray shielding.

Fabrication, physical, optical, and gamma-ray attenuation properties of platinum-doped borate glasses: experimental and theoretical investigation

Fabrication, physical, optical, and gamma-ray attenuation properties of platinum-doped borate glasses: experimental and theoretical investigation

Tailoring a symmetry for material properties of tellurite glasses through tungsten(vi) oxide addition: Mechanical properties and gamma-ray transmissions properties

AbstractWe report a correlation outcome for mechanical and gamma-ray transmission properties of tellurite glasses by increasing tungsten(vi) oxide concentration in glass structure. The mechanical properties as well as Poisson’s ratio (σ) of the studied glasses are estimated by applying Makishima–Mackenzie model. Gamma-ray attenuation properties using various fundamental parameters are determined in 0.015–15 MeV energy range. Poisson’s ratio (σ) decreased from 0.43017 to 0.42711, while all elastic moduli increased linearly with the molar increment of either [WO3] or [TeO2] in the molecular structure of the glass network. Moreover, gamma-ray attenuation properties are enhanced as a function of increasing WO3substitution amount from 30 to 50% mol in the glass structure. Half-value layer values at 15 MeV are found to be between 2.648 and 2.8614 cm. I4 samples with a composition of 20TeO2–50WO3–30GdF3and density of 6.0530 g/cm3was found to have superior material properties in terms of elastic and gamma-ray attenuation properties. It can be concluded that maximized WO3contribution into the tellurite glasses may be considered as a critical tool in terms of establishing a symmetry between mechanical and gamma-ray attenuation properties for high-density tellurite glasses for their potential utilization in nuclear waste management, radiation shielding, and radioactive source transportation purposes.

The impact of chemical modifications on gamma-ray attenuation properties of some WO3-reinforced tellurite glasses

Abstract We report the role of the chemical modifications on various gamma-ray attenuation properties of four different tellurite glasses reinforced through WO3. The chemical compositions and glass densities are used in terms of determining some critical attenuation properties, such as linear and mass attenuation coefficients, half value layer, and effective atomic number values. Based on the rise in density, it was determined that the maximum concentration of WO3 also resulted in a significant change in the overall gamma-ray absorption properties, when all of the study’s findings were examined. It was observed that the glass sample, in which TeO2 and WO3 were 40 mol%, had the highest density. It was found that this glass with the highest density has the highest linear attenuation coefficient and mass attenuation coefficient and the lowest half value layer among the four samples specified. This demonstrates that WO3 inclusion is a functional component that may be used in tellurium glasses and is a suitable material for situations requiring increased gamma-ray absorption properties.

Gamma–ray shielding capability of CoFeTaB amorphous solids using Monte Carlo simulations and Phy–X/PSD software

Investigations on metallic glasses have increased significantly due to their obvious qualities such as high glass–forming ability, corrosion resistance, and chemical, mechanical, and magnetic properties. By considering the importance of Cobalt– and Iron–based metallic glasses with various Tantalum concentrations, a Monte Carlo simulation (Geant4 code) and Phy–X/PSD software were used to investigate their gamma–ray attenuation properties, such as mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number, and half–value layer for different photon energy ranges. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) was calculated numerically using the Phy–X/PSD software between 0.015 and 15 MeV, and the results were compared to Monte Carlo simulations. The mass attenuation coefficients of the alloys were ranged between 108.6 and 94.3 cm2/g for lowest the photon energy, while reduced to 0.0458 cm2/g at the high energy region. These results showed that the radiation protection effectiveness values may be correlated with the alloys’ magnetization. The obtained results revealed that Tantalum density and larger atomic numbers are the most important factors in improving the radiation attenuation capabilities and then the shielding performance of the investigated glassy alloys.

Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles reinforced polyester composite for advanced radiation shielding applications: A detailed discussion for synthesis, characterization, and gamma-ray attenuation properties

The current study focuses on improving the polyester's ability to protect against gamma radiation by utilizing a nanofiller made of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4. Therefore, four polyester samples doped by Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles with various concentrations were fabricated via the sol-gel auto-combustion technique. The characterization of the fabricated composites was performed experimentally using the XRD (Bruker AXS D8 Advanced diffractometer), EDX, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Besides, the scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope were applied in order to describe the particle size of the nano filers and the particle distribution of the additive nanofiller in the fabricated composites. Furthermore, the evaluation of the composites' γ-ray shielding characteristics was done using the Monte Carlo simulation method. According to the study, the inclusion of the nanofiller improved the linear attenuation coefficient of the existing polyester. For example, the linear attenuation coefficient at 662 keV was enhanced with a factor of ≈64% by raising the nanofiller concentration between 0 wt% and 40 wt%. The linear attenuation coefficient shows also a high decrease with a factor of ≈99%, when the photon energy raised from keV to 1332 keV, respectively, for the polyester sample reinforced by 40 wt% of the nanofillers.