Radiation Shielding Properties Research Articles

SrO–ZnO–PbO–B2O3 glassy insights: Unveiling the structural and optical features for gamma ray shielding efficacy

The melt-quenching approach was utilised to synthesize amorphous SrO–ZnO–PbO–B2O3 glasses, with FTIR spectroscopy applied to the samples to reveal the various bonds' stretching and bending vibrations. With PbO introduced to the network, the UV–Vis absorption spectrum's absorption peak shifts towards the higher wavelength values, while Tauc plot analysis of the UV–Vis spectra reveals a 2.957–2.569 eV decrease in the band gap energy. The radiation shielding properties are examined via Phy-X program. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) has an inverse relation with the energy, which demonstrated the greater penetration ability of radiation that contains higher energy. In terms of the MAC values at low energies the results revealed a greater difference, while they are almost identical at higher energies. The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) was evaluated and the chemical composition's influence discussed, with the LAC values in the order of SZPB1 <SZPB2 <SZPB3 <SZPB4. This confirms that the PbO addition leads to increased LAC values. The half value layer (HVL) decreases with increased concentration of PbO. This suggests that the higher the glass system's PbO content, the thinner the glass system needs to be to attenuate half of the incoming photons.

Enhancing gamma radiation shielding properties of iron metal and natural rubber composites

AbstractA comparative study was conducted to investigate the gamma and neutron radiation shielding properties of composites made from iron metal (micro and nano) dispersed within natural rubber (NR). The aim was to attenuate neutron and γ‐rays. The study utilized the gamma spectroscopy technique and the Monte Carlo FLUKA code. To assess the gamma ray shielding, a 3×3 Nal (Tl) detector and radioactive point sources were employed. Two comparative studies were carried out, one using Fe loaded NR (Fe/NR) composites in microsize and the other using Fe/NR composites in nanosize. The objective was to determine the impact of iron nanoparticles on the shielding ability of the composites. The findings revealed that the Fe/NR composites in nanosize exhibited superior gamma radiation shielding ability compared with the Fe/NR composites in microsize. These results were supported by the FLUKA Monte Carlo code, which demonstrated good agreement with both the experimental and theoretical XCOM data.

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.

Polyurethane reinforced with micro/nano waste slag as a shielding panel for photons (experimental and theoretical study)

This study not only provides an innovative technique for producing rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) composites, but it also offers a way to reuse metallurgical solid waste. Rigid polyurethane (RPUF) composite samples have been prepared with different proportions of iron slag as additives, with a range of 0–25% mass by weight. The process of grinding iron slag microparticles into iron slag nanoparticles powder was accomplished with the use of a high-energy ball mill. The synthesized samples have been characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscope. Then, their radiation shielding properties were measured by using A hyper-pure germanium detector using point sources 241Am, 133 BA, 152 EU, 137Cs, and 60Co, with an energy range of 0.059–1.408 MeV. Then using Fluka simulation code to validate the results in the energy range of photon energies of 0.0001–100 MeV. The linear attenuation coefficient, mass attenuation coefficient, mean free path, half-value layer and tenth-value layer, were calculated to determine the radiation shielding characteristics of the composite samples. The calculated values are in good agreement with the calculated values. The results of this study showed that the gamma-ray and neutron attenuation parameters of the studied polyurethane composite samples have improved. Moreover, the effect of iron slag not only increases the gamma-ray attenuation shielding properties but also enhances compressive strength and the thermal stability. Which encourages us to use polyurethane iron-slag composite foam in sandwich panel manufacturing as walls to provide protection from radiation and also heat insulation.

Utilization of Waste Marble and Bi2O3-NPs as a Sustainable Replacement for Lead Materials for Radiation Shielding Applications

In an attempt to reutilize marble waste, a new approach is presented in the current study to promote its use in the field of shielding against ionizing radiation. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel and sustainable/eco-friendly lead-free radiation shielding material by improving artificial marble (AM) produced from marble waste combined with polyester by reinforcing it with bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanoparticles. Six samples of AM samples doped with different concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) of Bi2O3 nanoparticles were prepared. The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) values were measured experimentally through the narrow beam method at different energies (0.0595 MeV, 0.6617 MeV, 1.1730 MeV, and 1.330 MeV) for all samples with various concentrations of Bi2O3. Radiological shielding parameters such as half value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), and radiation shielding efficiency (RSE) were estimated and compared for all the different samples. The results prove that increasing the concentration of Bi2O3 leads to the enhancement of the radiation shielding properties of the AM as a shielding material. It was observed that as the energy increases, the efficiency of the samples falls. High energy dependence was found when calculating the HVL and TVL values of the samples, which increased with increases in the energy of the incident photons. A comparison between the sample with the most efficient gamma radiation attenuation capability (AM-25%), concrete, and lead was conducted, and a discussion regarding their radiation shielding properties is presented herein. The results show that the AM-25% sample is superior to the ordinary concrete over all the studied energy ranges, as evidenced by its significantly lower HVLs. On the contrary, lead is superior to the AM-25% sample over all the studied energy ranges owing to its unbeatable density as a shielding material. Overall, this new type of artificial marble has the potential to be used as a radiation shielding material at low- to medium-gamma energy regions, specifically in medical imaging and radiation therapy.

An experimental and theoretical study to evaluate Al2O3–PbO–B2O3–SiO2–BaO radiation shielding properties

This study's objective is to evaluate an Al2O3–PbO–B2O3–SiO2–BaO glass system's radiation shielding characteristics. The composition of the glasses is 15Al2O3–25PbO–(60-x)B2O3–10SiO2–xBaO, with x in the 5–20 mol% range. Experimental results were used to determine the samples' linear attenuation coefficients (LAC), which were then confirmed by Phy-X program. Utilizing narrow beam transmission geometry, the experimental LAC values were determined. According to the results there was high agreement when comparing the theoretical and experimental values. The LAC values were used to calculate the prepared glasses' mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) and other relevant properties. The mean free path (MFP) values of the sample with 5 mol% BaO were 0.079, 2.549, 3.944 and 4.273 cm at 0.0595, 0.662, 1.173, and 1.332 MeV, thus demonstrating that raising the glass system's BaO enhances the prepared glasses' shielding capacity. According to radiation protection efficiency (RPE), the glasses' capacity to shield the photon is enhanced when their BaO content rises.

A novel aloe vera mediated Bismuth–Magnesium–Copper nanocomposite for radiation shielding applications

In the current study, Bismuth-Magnesium-Copper nanocomposites (BMC NCs) are synthesized using versatile solution combustion synthesis using Alovera extract as a reducing agent. As obtained BMC NCs are characterized using standard techniques. Bragg’s reflections confirmed the formation of multi-phase BMC NCs with crystal sizes 18.11 nm and 21.12 nm. The surface morphology of BMC NCs confirmed the agglomeration of spherical-shaped nanoparticles. EDAX spectrum analyzed the presence of Bi, Mg, and Cu. The direct energy gap is found to be 3.08 eV. X-ray/gamma radiation shielding properties are then evaluated using a NaI(Tl) detector coupled with MCA. Shielding parameters are slightly higher than lead. Neutron shielding parameters are compared with conventional shielding materials. Scattering length is found to be 8.8 fm, and neutron absorption cross-section and neutron attenuation parameters of BMC NCs are found to be efficient when compared with lead, concrete, and steel. Bremsstrahlung radiation shielding parameters are computed at 1.511 MeV. Bremsstrahlung efficiency is comparable to lead, bremsstrahlung dose rate and specific bremsstrahlung constant are found to be more in comparison with lead. Thus, BMC NCs are highly efficient in shielding X/gamma ray and neutron radiations.

Incorporation of neodymium, holmium, erbium, and samarium (oxides) in zinc-borotellurite glass: Physical and optical comparative analysis

Investigating the effect of different types of rare-earth oxides on zinc borotellurite glass is important to determine the potential application in optical devices. The addition of rare-earth oxides in zinc borotellurite glass is well-known to enhance the optical properties due to the effects of 4f-4f transitions. In this work, we aim to compare the effect of different rare-earth oxides on zinc borotellurite glass denoted as ZBTNd, ZBTHo, ZBTEr and ZBTSm. The glass samples were successfully fabricated via the melt-quenched technique. The physical investigation of the glasses has been done by measuring the density and molar volume. It was found that ZBTNd glass has the lowest density than the other glasses due to the small atomic radius in neodymium oxide. High-density value for ZBTHo glass shows potential to be used as radiation shielding properties. The high value of molar volume for ZBTNd glass is advantageous for fiber optics as ZBTNd glass has good performance in elasticity. It was found that ZBTEr has a lower refractive index than the other glasses due to low dispersion characteristics. However, ZBTEr glass has good performance to be used in optical communication applications. It was found that the optical absorption shifts to a longer wavelength beginning from ZBTEr &gt; ZBTHo &gt; ZBTNd &gt; ZBTSm. The optical band gap energy for ZBTEr glass is higher than the other glasses due to the Coulomb repulsion energy for erbium which is greater than neodymium and samarium and slightly higher than holmium. The pattern of electronic polarizability for all glasses was found as follows ZBTSm&gt;ZBTNd&gt;ZBTEr&gt;ZBTHo. The optical basicity for ZBTEr was found highest which indicates a higher acidity, meanwhile, the ZBTNd glass has the lowest value which corresponds to a higher basicity.

The Role of Ytterbium (Yb2O3) in the Radiation Shielding Properties of Barium Titanium Borate Glasses (B2O3-TiO2-BaO) in Terms of γ and β Radiations

The Role of Ytterbium (Yb2O3) in the Radiation Shielding Properties of Barium Titanium Borate Glasses (B2O3-TiO2-BaO) in Terms of γ and β Radiations

Novel starch–tungsten (VI) oxide biocomposites: Preparation, characterization, and comparisons between experimental and theoretical photon attenuation coefficients

This study synthesized biocomposites containing starch and WO3 at varying ratios of 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 %, and 50 % and assessed their thermal and radiation-shielding properties. These biocomposites were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, particle-size distribution assessments, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis–differential thermogravimetry measurements. Furthermore, the linear attenuation coefficients of the biocomposites were experimentally measured using an NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometry system and theoretically computed using XCOM and GAMOS simulations for comparisons. The XRD and particle-size distribution profiles of the WO3.2H2O powder, respectively, demonstrated evident diffraction peaks and favorable pore-size distributions. Morphological characterizations revealed that the WO3 particles were homogeneously dispersed throughout the starch matrix without any agglomeration. Comparisons of the thermal degradation rates revealed that the pure starch and starch +50%WO3 biocomposite began decomposing at approximately 200°Cand 300 °C, respectively, indicating that increasing WO3 proportions enhanced thermal stability. Furthermore, the starch +50%WO3 biocomposite demonstrated the highest experimental linear attenuation coefficient, with a value of 0.2510 ± 0.0848 cm−1 at a gamma energy of 662 keV. Meanwhile, XCOM and GAMOS simulations revealed theoretical attenuation coefficients of 0.1229 and 0.1213 cm−1 for pure starch and 0.2202 cm−1 and 0.2178 cm−1 for the starch +50%WO3 biocomposite at 662 keV, respectively.

The feasibility of in-situ resource utilisation binder systems for construction materials on Mars: A review

The harsh environmental conditions on Mars require building materials that are highly resilient. The cost of transporting binder ingredients for construction materials to Mars is very high. In-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) of Martian resources can help minimise the transportation costs. This review discusses the proposed direction of future investigations to achieve high resiliency and minimal cost for Martian ISRU-based binders. The Martian ISRU-based binders can be bio-based, magnesium-based, polymer-based, geopolymer-based, metal-based or sulphur-based. The review focuses strictly on studies related to the investigation of binder systems produced by utilising simulated in-situ Martian resources. It is divided into sections based on the characteristics of the binder system. Important properties that are investigated include rheological properties, mechanical properties, radiation-shielding properties, and abrasion resistance. The recommended research directions for each Martian ISRU-based binder and other future works related to the key properties are described at the end of this manuscript. This review provides an overview of the potential directions of future research and strongly advocates for additional studies that simulate the behaviour of potential Martian ISRU-based binder systems for use in construction applications in the harsh environment of Mars.

Radiation shielding properties of composites of TiZrNbHfTa refractory high entropy alloy reinforced with TiZrNbHfTaOx high-entropy oxide

Radiation shielding materials play a critical role in advancing the next generation of nuclear reactors. Among these, high-entropy materials with refractory properties emerge as a new category for radiation shielding applications. This study introduces TiZrNbHfTa-TiZrNbHfTaOx composites tailored for such purposes. Initially, a TiZrNbHfTa refractory high-entropy alloy (RHEA) is synthesized via mechanical alloying, followed by the oxidation of the alloy to obtain its refractory high-entropy oxide (RHEO), TiZrNbHfTaOx. Composites are then prepared by blending 5%, 10%, and 20% weight fractions of RHEO with RHEA using mechanical alloying. Comparative analysis of shielding properties reveals a decrease in mass attenuation coefficient and effective atomic number with increasing RHEO content. While RHEA exhibits superior shielding performance against gamma photons and neutrons, the composite containing 20% RHEO emerges as the optimal shield against alpha and proton irradiations. The equivalent neutron dose rate and removal cross-section values are obtained 49.8% and 0.142 for the composite with 20% RHEO, respectively. These findings, supported by computational simulations in this study, contribute valuable insights for the advancement of novel shielding materials crucial for future nuclear reactor technologies.

Radiation attenuation properties of yttrium lithium borate glasses

As the glass is used in a variety of fields, it is vital to test it on radiation shielding purposes. In this article, the radiation attenuation properties of examined glasses by replacing Li2O for Y2O3 have been investigated. The samples formulated as 72B2O3–(28-x)Li2O–xY2O3 (where x = 0,2,4,8,12 mol%). The parameters of linear absorption coefficients (LAC) and other parameters of half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), tenth value layer (TVL) and effective atomic numbers were calculated. It was found that when Li2O is replaced to Y2O3, the radiation shielding properties of glasses increment.

The structural, optical, electrical and radiation shielding properties of Co-doped ZnO thin films

Co:ZnO thin films are promising due to the similar ionic radii of cobalt and ZnO, and their potential for carrier spin injection, transfer, and detection. This study aims to investigate the structural, optical, electrical, and radiation shielding properties of Co-doped zinc oxide (Co:ZnO) thin films for potential applications in various fields such as semiconductors, solar cells, spintronics, and radiation shielding. The effect of commercially available Cobalt acetate tetrahydrate and Cobalt complex (Co with conjugated NN ligand) as cobalt additives on the synthesis of ZnO thin films is compared, aiming to discern their respective impacts. The dopants are incorporated in 2, 4, and 6 wt%, employing the sol-gel spin coating method.Applying cobalt complex additive as Co precursor resulted in ZnO:Co films with a superior enhancement of the electronic band gap of 2.84–3.00 eV compared to cobalt acetate precursor (2.62–2.84 eV). With the introduction of Cobalt, there is a notable change in the electrical conductivity, showcasing a decrease from 1.5x10−7 to 2.11x10−10 (S/cm). Also, radiation shielding parameters were experimentally measured in the energy range of 186.1–1764.5 keV within the scope of gamma ray spectral analysis. Exposure buildup factors (EBF) in the energy range of 15–15,000 keV were calculated up to 1–40 mean free path (mfp). Mass stopping power (MSP) and projected range values (PR) for nuclear safety applications were calculated for protons and alpha particles using the SRIM code. Thin film thicknesses were determined by using Lambert-Beer law. It was observed that the thin film thicknesses obtained from gamma spectrometry (2.090–2.628 μm) and SEM (2.157–2.725 μm) were compatible with each other.

Radiation Shielding Properties of Mono and Polycrystalline Solar Cells

Radiation Shielding Properties of Mono and Polycrystalline Solar Cells

Comparative analysis of TiO2, Fe2O3, CaO and CuO in borate based glasses for gamma ray shielding

This research intends to utilize melt-quenching technique in order to examine the radiation shielding capability of 10 % Mo, 10 % Na2O, 20 % PbO, and 60 % B2O3 glass system, with varying CaO, TiO2, CuO, Fe2O3 or Mo. XCOM and MCNP simulations were utilized to analyze the radiation shielding properties of the fabricated glasses. The results revealed CuO having the superior MAC of 49.91 cm2/g, then Fe2O3 with 49.24 cm2/g, followed by CaO with 49.10 cm2/g, and TiO2 with 48.49 cm2/g as the least. CuO and Fe2O3 were confirmed to have least HVL compared to CaO and TiO2. The value of the lead equivalent thickness showed fluctuation against the gamma energy, where it raisess within the photoelectric region and falls after the photoelectric region. The data reveal that, the lead equivalent thickness at 0.1 MeV were 7.88 cm, 7.86 cm, 7.81 cm and 7.80 cm for TiO2, Fe2O3, CaO, and CuO in the same order, respectively. The transmission factor (TF) raises as the gamma energy raises, having TiO2 as the highest with 76.068 %, while the radiation protection efficiency dropped as the energy raises.

Advancing mechanical durability and radiation shielding properties in Silicon dioxide (SiO2) glasses through various incorporations: A comparative analysis

Silicon dioxide (SiO2) glasses, known for their high thermal stability, excellent optical transparency, and substantial mechanical strength, are crucial in numerous technological applications, including radiation shielding. This research explores the impact of compositional variations in SiO2-based glasses on their mechanical and radiation shielding properties, particularly focusing on the inclusion of heavy metal oxides (HMO) and rare earth elements (REE) like neodymium (Nd). Through the systematic investigation of fifteen distinct glass samples with varying concentrations of specific oxides and elements, we investigate the compositional changes and their influence on physical properties and their effectiveness in attenuating radiation. Our findings demonstrate that the incorporation of Nd significantly enhances the glass's radiation shielding capabilities. Glasses doped with Nd exhibited higher effective atomic numbers and electron densities, which translate to superior attenuation characteristics at lower photon energies. This is highlighted by the exceptional performance of the 20Nd sample, showing the lowest exposure build-up factors (EBF) at 10 mean free paths (mfp), indicating its potential as a premier candidate for shielding applications against various energy levels of radiation. Moreover, the variation in the Elastic Modulus of the glass samples underscores the significant impact of the glass matrix composition on its mechanical properties, suggesting a delicate balance between network formers and modifiers in determining the glass properties. It can be concluded that the neodymium-doped SiO2-based glasses may be considered as targeted compositions in fine-tuning material properties to meet specific application requirements. As the demand for efficient radiation shielding materials grows across medical, industrial, and space exploration sectors, our findings provide a solid foundation for the development of new glass formulations tailored for enhanced mechanical properties and superior radiation protection levels.

Synthesis and characterization of FMWCNTs/ZnO doped PVDF nanocomposites for enhanced mechanical, dielectric, and radiation shielding properties

This study investigates the enhancement of radiation shielding properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) through the incorporation of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), aiming to develop a lightweight, effective, and environmentally friendly shielding material. PVDF-based nanocomposites with varying concentrations of FMWCNTs@ZnO (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 3.0 wt%) were synthesized using a solution casting method. Morphological analysis via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) confirmed the uniform dispersion of FMWCNTs@ZnO within the PVDF matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed an increase in the β-phase crystallinity of PVDF at 1 wt% FMWCNTs@ZnO concentration, with a notable peak shift indicating enhanced polar group development. Vickers microhardness tests showed a significant improvement, with hardness values increasing from 342.5 kg/mm2 for pure PVDF to 391.2 kg/mm2 for nanocomposites containing 3 % FMWCNTs@ZnO. Dielectric analyses demonstrated increased permittivity and a dynamic relaxation behavior indicative of improved charge carrier density and interfacial polarization. Gamma shielding efficiency, assessed through linear attenuation coefficients (GLAC) and mass attenuation coefficients (GMAC), exhibited superior performance at lower photon energies (80 keV), with the highest GLAC and GMAC values observed for the 3 wt% FMWCNTs@ZnO doped samples. These findings underscore the potential of FMWCNTs@ZnO doped PVDF nanocomposites as promising materials for radiation shielding applications, offering a synergistic approach to enhancing mechanical, dielectric, and protective properties against ionizing radiation.

Radiation shielding properties of heavy-weight concrete and heavy-weight geopolymer concrete incorporating nano-ZnS

The population growth and the subsequent increase in energy demand for buildings require the widespread use of sustainable materials in the construction industry. Therefore, geopolymer concretes (GPC) are expanding with the ability to emit less greenhouse gases (GHG) compared to conventional concrete. In this study, the effect of adding different content of Zinc sulfide nanoparticle (nano-ZnS) 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 % by weight of cement on density (ρ), compressive strength, gamma ray radiation protection characteristics, and microstructure based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) is investigated in heavy-weight concrete (HWC) and heavy-weight geopolymer concrete (HGC). The results have shown that nano-ZnS nanoparticles improve the strength and gamma ray shielding properties of HWC and HGC by modifying the microstructure so that by adding the optimal amount of 6 % nano-ZnS, the maximum compressive strength for HWC and HGC was obtained by 57.4 and 41.5 %, respectively. In addition, the highest linear attenuation coefficient (µ)was obtained with the addition of 4.5 % nano-ZnS for HWC and HGC, 12.8 and 8.9 %, respectively.Furthermore, the life cycle assessment (LCA) of the three phases of raw material production, transportation and concrete production has revealed that HGC has emitted 41.5 % less CO2 compared to HWC. In general, HGC in the presence of the optimal amount of nanoparticles has shown a more visible improvement in compressive strength and gamma ray shielding properties. In addition, HGC as an environmentally friendly material, has significantly reduced the emission of CO2.

Effect of ZrO2 on physical and radiation shielding properties of tellurium −lead- calcium −borate (TPCB)glass system

This research investigates the impact of adding Zirconia (ZrO2) to tellurium-lead-borate glasses, focusing on how it affects their physical, optical, and radiation shielding properties, particularly against gamma-rays and neutrons. Key parameters for gamma-ray shielding (mass attenuation coefficient (µm), effective atomic numbers (Zeff), and effective electron densities (Neff)) were measured across an energy range of 0.080 to 2.614 MeV. Notably, excellent agreement (within 0.5 %) was observed between the measured and calculated µm values. For slow neutron attenuation measurements, we employed a 241Am-Be neutron source in conjunction with a BF3 detector. Fast neutron attenuation was assessed using the NXCOM software to determine the effective macroscopic removal cross-section (ΣR). The addition of Zirconia notably enhanced the glass density (∼6.8 %) and its ability to shield against gamma-rays (∼10 %) and slow neutrons (∼71 %). However, this improvement comes with a slight trade-off: a decrease of approximately 1.5 % in fast neutron attenuation was observed. This trade-off between shielding effectiveness for different radiation types warrants further investigation to optimize glass compositions, considering the desired balance between shielding performance across various radiation spectrums.