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Lead borate glass is the best radiation shielding glass when lead is in high concentration. However, it has low transparency after radiation exposure. Radiation decreases transparency due to chemical and physical changes in the glass matrix, such as creating or healing defects in the glass network. The addition of rare earth elements like cerium and dysprosium oxides to lead borate glasses can improve their transparency and durability as radiation shielding barriers. The newly manufactured glasses' optical absorption, structural, and radiation shielding properties were measured. The optical characteristics of the generated samples were examined to determine the effect of the cerium/dysprosium ratio on the structural alterations, specifically in the presence of bridging oxygen (BO) and non-bridging oxygen (NBO). Incorporating Ce3+ results in peaks at 195 nm for borate units, 225 nm for Ce3+, and a broadened peak at 393 nm due to overlapping peaks for Ce3+ and Ce4+ in the UV region. By adding Dy, multiple peaks are observed at 825, 902, 1095, 1275, and 1684 nm, corresponding to the transition from 6H15/2 ground state to 6F5/2, 6F7/2, 6F9/2, 6F11/2, and 6H11/2. The samples were also tested before and after exposure to gamma irradiation from a 60Co source at a dose of 75 kGy to assess their stability against radiation. The energy gap value during irradiation shows decreased non-bridging oxygen. The energy gap difference before and after irradiation for the M4 sample shows higher NBO to BO conversion, reducing radiation damage and improving structural stability. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was utilized to get insight into the coordination chemistry of the created glass samples. The half-value layer (HVL), radiation protection efficiency (RPE), neutron removal cross-section (FRNCS), mean free path (MFP), mass attenuation coefficients (MAC), and effective atomic numbers (Zef) of the glassy structure were calculated theoretically to assess its radiation shielding qualities. The linear attenuation coefficient order for the prepared samples was M1 > M2 > M3 > M4. The FRNCS values were 0.090, 0.083, 0.081, and 0.079 cm−1 for samples M1, M2, M3, and M4, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, gamma-ray attenuation properties as well as transmission factor values of high-density sodium metaphosphate-tungsten trioxide glasses with chemical composition of (40−x)NaPO3−xWO3-60Sb2O3: (x = 0 (S1), 5 (S2), 10 (S3), 15 (S4), 20 (S5), 30 (S6), and 40 (S7) mol%) have been investigated. MCNPX general purpose Monte Carlo code and Phy-X/PSD program were utilized for the calculation of transmission factor values and fundamental gamma-ray shielding parameters. Our findings suggest that the S7 sample (with the highest WO3 content mole%) has possessed the maximum mass attenuation coefficients (μm) at all gamma-ray energies investigated. In terms of half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP), the coded glass sample S7 has achieved the minimum values. The effective atomic number (Zeff) and equivalent atomic number (Zeq) of the investigated glasses have the same trend of mass attenuation coefficient. The raising of WO3 content in mole% in glasses leads to reducing both exposure and absorption buildup factor values for all mean free path values. The minimum transmission factor (maximum attenuation) quantities were verified at a thickness of 3 cm for all investigated glasses. It can be concluded that the S7 sample exhibits superior radiation shielding characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three borate glass systems with chemical formula 65 B2O3 + 30 Na2O + 5 (x) wt%; x = Al2O3, MgO, and Li2O were fabricated by the common melting-annealing method and coded as BNAl, BNMg, and BNLi, respectively. XRD pattern revealed the non-crystalline form and the glassy states of the prepared samples. UV-optical absorption spectra showed UV cutoff peaks in the range 320–340 nm and optical energy gap (Eopt) by Tauc's model (ETauc's) and ASF method (EASF) revealed quite similar values ranged from 2.60 to 3 eV before irradiation and 2.23 to 2.60 eV after 20 kGy of gamma irradiation. Raman spectra show three detectable regions at; (i) 250–600 cm−1, (ii) 500–1000 cm−1 and (iii) 1000–2000 cm−1 correlated to different borate forms. Many radiation shielding parameters were theoretically calculated using Phy-X/PSD and simulated via Monte Carlo code (MCNP-5) in photon energy range (0.015–15 MeV). Mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear gamma attenuation coefficient (LAC), effective atomic number (Zeff), fast neutron macroscopic cross section (∑R), exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) at various penetration depths PD, as well as half (HVL) and tenth value layers (TVL) and mean free path (MFP) were also estimated. The shielding parameters showed the order of (MAC, LAC)BNAl > (MAC,LAC)BNMg > (MAC, LAC)BNLi. The stability of the glasses optical, and structural properties against gamma irradiation indicate the capable use of the glasses for radiation shielding applications specially Al2O3 glass with the heaviest atomic weight and the highest capacity for radiation shielding protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work scrutinizes the radiation protection features and mechanical characteristics of neodymium zinc-tellurite of composition [(TeO2)70-(ZnO)30]1−x-(Nd2O3)x: x = 0−5 mol% in steps of 1 (TZNd1 – 5). The Makishima–Mackenzie’s model was adopted for the computation of the Poisson’s ratio (PR) and elastic moduli. WinXcom and EXABCal software’s were performed to evaluate the radiation shielding parameters and buildup factors, respectively of TZNd-glasses. Results revealed that the increasing of Nd2O3 concentration in TZNd-glasses from 1 to 5 mol% had a positive effect on their elastic parameters: Young’s modulus increased from 53.13 to 54.81 GPa, bulk modulus changed from 31.95-33.65 GPa, and the PR varied from 0.222 to 0.228 for TZNd1 to TZNd5. There was a small increase in the Z/A as the Nd content increased, which leads to slight increase in TMSP of the particles. The mass attenuation coefficient (µm) increased in the order TZNd1 < TZNd2 < TZNd3 < TZNd4 < TZNd5. The maximum value of LAC obtained at 15 keV were 246, 249, 253, 257, and 260 cm−1 for TZNd1, TZNd2, TZNd3, TZNd4, and TZNd5, respectively. The HVT varies inversely with the linear attenuation coefficient. Throughout the considered energy spectrum the range of Ze f f for the glasses varied from 22.65−40.22, 22.64−40.25, 22.64−40.29, 22.63−40.32, and 22.63−40.36 for TZNd1, TZNd2, TZNd3, TZNd4, and TZNd5, respectively. The values of fast neutron removal cross section ΣR showed a steady increase as the partial densities of Nd and oxygen of the TZNd-glass systems increased. Generally, one can conclude that the additive of Nd2O3 to TeO2-ZnO glasses leads to enhance their mechanical properties and increase their ability to absorb neutron and photon to apply in nuclear medicine applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical, optical characteristics, and radiation attenuation capacities of the prepared (50-x)B2O3 + 30PbO + 10Na2O + 10MgO + xNb2O5 glasses with various doping ratios x = 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mol% have been investigated. Glasses were prepared using the well-known melt quenching process and named as their corresponding x value. The density and molar volume of the prepared glasses were increased from 4.71 g/cm3 and 23.76 cm3/mol for the sample with free Nb2O5 to 4.91 g/cm3 and 25.99 cm3/mol for the rich sample with x = 8 mol% of Nb2O5. With increasing Nb2O5 concentration, the broad near-visible band centered was moved towards higher wavelength. The direct band gap energies of glass samples felt from 3.728 to 2.939 eV, while the indirect band gap energies from 3.032 to 1.822 eV as the Nb2O5 substitution ratio increased. Urbach's energies of the prepared samples were increased with the increasing of Nb2O5. For photons, the maximum values of mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) were 32.67, 33.02, 33.38, 33.74, and 34.10 cm2/g for x = 0 – x = 8, respectively at 0.015 MeV, while the least corresponding MAC value of 0.0286, 0.0288, 0.0291, 0.0293, and 0.0295 cm2/g was obtained at 10 MeV. For neutrons, the fast (MAC)FN was decreased from 0.0185 – 0.0161 cm2/g, while the thermal (MAC)TN was decayed from 6.6538 – 5.5903 cm2/g. Analysis of the TSP and CSDA range of the glasses emphasize the fact that there is no significant difference in the charged particle of the glasses irrespective of the weight fraction of Nb2O5 relative B2O3. Results confirm that the current glasses are superior for radiation shielding materials compared to some commercial concrete and glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct effect of BaO addition on the optical basicity (^th) , electronegativity ( χ av ), electronic polarizability ( α 0 - 2 ), the linear/nonlinear optical properties, and the γ-radiation and neutron shielding competencies was evaluated for glasses described by a chemical formula of 50P2O5 + 30TiO2 + (20-x) K2O + xBaO; x varies between 0 and 20 mol%. The (^th) was decreased from 0.780 to 0.730; the ( α 0 - 2 ) was decreased from 1.88 to 1.78, and ( χ av ) was enhanced from 2.31 to 2.38 when the BaO varied between 0 and 20 mol%. The optical energy gap (Eg) was increased from 3.19 to 3.49 eV for the indirect transition, while from 3.40 to 3.69 eV for direct transition. The highest mass attenuation coefficient changes between 12.198, 14.781, 17.238, 19.579, and 21.806 cm2/g at a gamma photon energy of 0.015 MeV, while the lowest mass attenuation coefficient varied between 0.022, 0.0235, 0.0246, 0.0256, and 0.0266 cm2/g, achieved at a gamma photon energy of 15 MeV when the BaO insertion concentration increases from 0 to 20 mol%. Regarding the shielding parameters, they are enhanced gradually along with the studied gamma spectrum energy with increasing the replacement of K2O by BaO compound. The total fast neutron total effective removal cross-section ∑R (cm2/g) was reduced in the order between 0.03248 and 0.02916 cm2/g with raising the BaO insertion ratio between 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mol%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical properties and gamma-ray attenuation competence of bismo-tellurite sodium titanium zinc glass samples with chemical formula (80 − x)TeO2–10ZnO–5TiO2–5Na2O–xBi2O3, where x = 5, 8, 10, 12, and 15 mol% have been explored. Values of optical electronegativity (χ*) were varied from 0.715 for B5 glass sample to 0.677 for B15 glass sample. Values of linear dielectric susceptibility (χ(1)) were varied from 0.400 for B5 glass sample to 0.430 for glass sample. Values of non-linear optical susceptibility (χ3) and non-linear refractive index n 2 optical were varied from 4.379 × 10−12 to 5.812 × 10−12 (esu) and from 6.719 × 1011 to 8.656 × 10−11 (esu) for B5 and B15 glasses, respectively. The B15 sample with the highest Bi2O3 content had the maximum mass attenuation coefficient (µm) values across all examined photon energies, while B5 sample with the lowest Bi2O3 content had the minimum (µm). Both half-value layer (T0.5) and mean free path (λ) followed the trend as follows: (T0.5, λ)B5 > (T0.5, λ)B8 > (T0.5, λ)B10 > (T0.5, λ)B12 > (T0.5, λ)B15. The exposure and energy absorption buildup factor (EBF and EABF) values decrease from B5 to B15, demonstrating that the shielding enhancement of glass samples has strengthened. The effective atomic number (Zeff) parameter followed the trend as follows: (Zeff)B15 > (Zeff)B12 > (Zeff)B10 > (Zeff)B8 > (Zeff)B5. Our findings confirm that the enhancement of Bi2O3 content in the bismo-tellurite sodium titanium zinc glass samples plays an important role of improvement in both optical and gamma-ray protection properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical and radiation interaction parameters are vital for characterizing a material as potential shields in nuclear radiation protection applications. This study presents a glass system with the following formula: 56B2O3-25Li2O3-10Na2O-5CaO-2Al2O3-2SrO-0.5TeO2-1X wt%: X = ZrO2 (G1-Zr), CoO (G2-Co), NiO (G3-Ni), and V2O5 (G4-V). The photon attenuation parameters were evaluated through the use of XCOM software for typical photon energy sources used in medical and research applications of photons (22–1330 keV). In addition, the mechanical properties of glasses were examined. The maximum value of the mass attenuation coefficient ( μ m ) of 2.356, 2.049, 2.073, and 1.958 cm2/g for G1-Zr, G2-Co, G3-Ni, and G4-V, respectively, was obtained at the least energy of 22 keV. The minimum value of μ m was obtained at 1.33 MeV with corresponding value of 0.054 cm2/g for the four glasses. The range of effective atomic number ( Z eff ) of the glasses was 7.189–17.88, 7.182–16.242, 7.185–16.353, and 7.171–15.869 for G1-Zr, G2-Co, G3-Ni, and G4-V, respectively, for the considered energy spectrum. Based on the half value layer (HVL) value at 662 keV, it is clear that the present glasses are better photon absorbers than OC and RS-253-G18 glass shield. The value of Σ R for the glasses revealed that G4-V is a better fast neutron absorber among the investigated glasses. The G1-Zr glass sample has a minimum elastic moduli values, but G3-Ni sample has the maximum values. Generally, the investigated glasses can be used as appropriate materials for gamma-ray shielding applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium bario-fluoride boro-vanadate glasses of compositions 20BaF2–(60-x)B2O3–20Na2O–x(V2O5), where x takes values of 0 (BBNV0), 1 (BBNV1), 2 (BBNV2), 3 (BBNV3), and 4 (BBNV4) mol% were fabricated using the ordinary melt quenching technique. Density by Archimedes' method, elastic moduli via Makishima–Mackenzie model, radiation shielding competence via XCOM software and FLUKA simulation code within γ-ray energy (81–1408 keV), as well as neutron shielding capacity have been examined. Density of the fabricated glasses was gradually enhanced from 3.1245 g/cm3 for BBNV0 glass sample with free of V2O5 to 3.4521 g/cm3 for BBNV4 glass sample enrich with V2O5. The enhancement of mechanical properties of BBNV0–BBNV5 glasses confirmed the role of vanadium as a modifier in the glass matrix. In terms of the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), the insertion of V2O5 in the fabricated glass matrix has a direct constructive effect on the LAC values. The minimum values (LAC)min achieved at 1.408 MeV; 0.16 cm−1, 0.16 cm−1, 0.17 cm−1, 0.17 cm−1, and 0.17 cm−1 and the maximum values (LAC)max achieved at 0.081 MeV; 3.87 cm−1, 3.93 cm−1, 3.99 cm−1, 4.07 cm−1, and 4.13 cm−1 for BBNV0, BBNV1, BBNV2, BBNV3, and BBNV5 glasses, respectively. In terms of the half-value layer (HVL), the BBNV4 glasses possessed the minimum values and BBNV0 glasses possessed the maximum values. Therefore, the mentioned parameter follows the trend as: (HVL)BBNV0 > (HVL)BBNV1 > (HVL,)BBNV2 > (HVL)BBNV3 > (HVL)BBNV4. The enhancement of the V2O5 content in the fabricated glass matrix has a positive effect for enriching both effective atomic numbers (Zeff). In addition, the BBNV0 glass sample (free with V2O5) achieved the best neutron shielding ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium lead borate glasses doped with MnO (40B2O3 + 40PbO + (20-x)K2O + xMnO: x = 0–5 mol%) have been prepared via standard melting quenching process. The impact of MnO on the structure, optical, magnetic and gamma-ray protection properties of pottisium lead borate glasses have been examined. The density was increased from 4.83to 5.23 g/cm3 as MnO content increased while the molar volume of prepared glass sample was decreased from 28.112 to 25.755 cm3/mol. The obtained direct optical gap (Eg) values were 2.84, 2.59, 2.41, 2.19, 1.95, and 1.84 eV for the Mn-x (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) glass samples, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra demonstrated that as the MnO concentration increases in the glass network the intensity and width of the IR bands were increased. The magnetic measurement revealed that the magnetic saturation (Ms) was decreased while the magnetic coercivity (Hc) was increased with increasing MnO substitution ratio. The linear attenuation coefficient of the μ M n - g l a s s follows the order: µMn-0 < µMn-1 < µMn-2 < µMn-3 < µMn-4 < µMn-5. Half value layer (HVL) rises as µ decreases and vice versa. The range of the HVL is 0.002–3.378, 0.002–3.334, 0.002–3.291, 0.002–3.248, 0.002–3.176, and 0.002–3.106 cm for Mn-x (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and5). The trend of effective atomic number (Zeff) variation is related to that of both linear and mass attenuation coefficients (µ and µm). The produced Mn-glasses can be employed in a variety of optical, magnetic and radiation protective applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium borosilicate glasses of the composition 47SiO2–13B2O3–20Na2O–(20–x)CaO–xMgO: x = 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mol% named as Mg0, Mg5, Mg10, Mg15, and Mg20, respectively, have been synthesized via melt quenching method. The effect of combined ionic substitutions on composition, physical, linear optical, and photon shielding properties was investigated. The density was decreased from 2.6236 to 2.5155 g cm−3, while the molar volume was decreased from 23.2133 to 22.957 cm3 mol−1 for Mg0 to Mg20. The oxygen packing density and field strength were enhanced with increasing Mg2+ ion content. Therefore, the glass structure's rigidity was supported by the decrease in internuclear distance and polaron radius values with increased dopant ion concentration. The optical energy gap was increased from 3.24 to 3.35 eV, and the refractive index from 2.335 to 2.309 for Mg0 to Mg15 glasses. The linear attenuation coefficient of the proposed Mg0-Mg20 glasses obeys the trend (Mg20)LAC < (Mg15)LAC < (Mg10)LAC < (Mg5)LAC < (Mg0)LAC, while the mean free path obeys the trend (Mg0)MFP < (Mg5)MFP < (Mg10)MFP < (Mg15)MFP < (Mg20)MFP. The half value layer (HVL) of Mg0 ranged from 0.034 to 12.546 cm, while Mg20 ranged from 0.061 to 13.714 cm at 0.015 and 15 MeV. The transmission factor was found 43.713% and 75.864% at 5-cm glass thickness and increased to reach 85.35267% and 95.07127% at 1-cm glass thickness at 1 MeV and 15 MeV, respectively. The suggested glasses can be applied in optical devices and radiation protection applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of Gd2O3 on the structure, physical, neutrons and gamma-photon protection features of newly prepared (50-x)B2O3 + 25Bi2O3 + 25Na2O + xGd2O3 glasses with different Gd2O3 concentrations was investigated. Glasses have been prepared via solid-state conventional method and encoded as Gd0, Gd1, Gd2, Gd3, and Gd4, respectively, according to xGd2O3 values. X-ray diffraction measurements proved that all Gd-glasses were in an amorphous nature. The density of the samples was increased from 5.1021 to 6.3210 g.cm−3. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) values were simulated via MCNPX in photon energy range of 15 keV–15 MeV and verified via XCOM program. The MACs were ranged from 28.69 to 32.52 cm2.g−1, while linear attenuation coefficient values were found to be ranged from 142 to 201 cm−1 for Gd0 and Gd4, respectively. The Gd4 glass has the lowest half value layer (HVL, highest radiation shielding capacity) among all the prepared Gd-glasses, several concretes, and conventional glasses. The atomic cross section (ACS) and electronic cross section (ECS) values were enhanced with the increment of Gd ratio in the sample compositions, and the measures of ACS were much greater than the ECS values. The effective atomic number (Zeff) values were ranged from 62.7 to 63.4 for Gd0 to Gd4, respectively. The effective conductivity (Ceff) is directly proportional to the density and effective electron density of the glass samples. By utilizing the Phy-X/PSD program, the maximum values of exposure buildup factor were slowly decreased with the addition of Gd2O3 contents and decreased from 55.8 to 55.3, while the highest energy absorption buildup factor increases slowly from 70.5 to 71.1 for glasses Gd0 and Gd4, respectively. The lowest values of fast neutron removal cross section (∑R, cm−1) were obtained for glasses Gd0 (∑R = 0.179 cm−1), while the highest value was obtained for glasses Gd4 (∑R = 0.179 cm−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastic moduli parameters and photon attenuation competence of phosphate (P2O5)/sodium (Na2O)/calcium (CaO) glasses with form 45P2O5–(55-x)Na2O–xCaO: x = 0–55 mol% (PNC-0:PNC-55) have been estimated and clarified. The development in Poisson's ratio and elastic moduli parameters (bulk, Young's, shear, and longitudinal) of the heavier CaO content of the PNC-glasses were proved through Makishima-Mackenzie (M-M) and bond compression (B-C) models. The B-C bulk elastic (KB-C) modulus was found to raise from 71.4 to 95.16 GPa, while the M-M bulk (KM-M) modulus was increased from 22.48 to 40.75 GPa for PNC-0 (glass sample free with CaO) and PNC-55 (glass sample rich with CaO), respectively. The highest mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) values were reported for PNC-55 sample, whereas the lowest were reported for PNC-0 sample. Half value layer (HVL) values were reported as 1.6526 cm, 1.6181 cm, 1.5734 cm, 1.5275 cm, 1.4847 cm, 1.441 cm, and 1.4172 cm for PNC-0, PNC-10, PNC-20, PNC-30, PNC-40, PNC-50, and PNC-55 samples at 0.1 MeV, respectively. The effective atomic numbers (Zeff) were reported as 10.2658, 10.4393, 10.6149, 10.7924, 10.9719, 11.1536, and 11.2451 for PNC-0, PNC-10, PNC-20, PNC-30, PNC-40, PNC-50, and PNC-55 samples at 0.1 MeV, respectively. The PNC-55 sample was reported with a maximum value of effective atomic weight for absorption (Aeff). The lowest exposure and energy absorption buildup factors (EBF and EABF) values were discovered for the PNC-55 sample, while the highest EBF values were found for the pure PNC-0 sample. Finally, one can conclude that the PNC-55 is a superior for gamma-ray attenuation competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinetic, mechanical properties of xPbO-(10-x)Er2O3-90Bi2O3: x = 3 (BEP-3), 5 (BEP-5), 7 (BEP-7), 9 (BEP-9), and 10 (BEP-10) mol% glass system were investigated experimentally utilizing the pulse-echo technique and theoretically via bond compression and Makishima and Mackenzie models. Radiation shielding capacity of the investigated BEP-glasses was also evaluated via Phy-X/PSD code. The longitudinal and shear ultrasonic wave velocities were increased with the increase in PbO content in BEP-glasses. Values of the elastic moduli, longitudinal modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus, and microhardness, for BEP-glasses were enhanced when the PbO content increased from 3 to 10 mol % content. There was good agreement between the obtained values of experimental and theoretical values of elastic moduli. The maximum mass attenuation coefficient value of 10368.30, 10381.78, 10395.25, 10408.93, and 10415.417 cm2/g was obtained at the least energy of 15 keV while corresponding least value of 4.102, 4.108, 4.114, 4.120, and 4.124 was obtained at E value of 4 MeV for BEP-3, BEP-5, BEP-7, BEP-9, and BEP-10, respectively. The half value layer of the BEP-glasses was lower than those of ordinary concrete and RS-360. The fast neutron removal cross section values varied from 0.0733 to 0.0903 cm-1 for BEP-3 – BEP-10. The total stopping power (TSP) follows the trend (TSP)BEP-3 < (TSP)BEP-5 < (TSP)BEP-10 < (TSP)BEP-9 < (TSP)BEP-7. Generally, one can conclude that the optimum PbO concentration for gamma-ray shielding is BEP-9 glasses, while for electron absorption is BEP-7 glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Bi2O3 content on photon, alpha particle, proton, fast and thermal neutron shielding capacity, and elastic moduli of 10ZnO-(90-x)B2O3-xBi2O3 (ZBB-glasses): x = 25–50 mol% has been investigated. The mass density and Bi-content of the ZBB-glasses had the greatest impact on the values of mass and linear attenuation coefficients. The mass and linear attenuation coefficients values were followed the trend (ZBB25)MAC,LAC < (ZBB30) MAC,LAC < (ZBB35) MAC,LAC < (ZBB40) MAC,LAC < (ZBB45) MAC,LAC < (ZBB50) MAC,LAC. The mean free path (MFP) and half value layer (HVL) were having the same trend and opposite to which obtained in mass and linear attenuation coefficients. All the ZBB-glasses showed almost similar charged particle shielding capacity. However, ZBB50 had a comparable charged particle absorption efficiency. There was a 57% growth in fast neutron removal cross section as Bi2O3 molar concentration increased to 50% in the ZBB-glass matrix. ZBB50 possesses the highest fast neutron removal cross section among the ZBB-glasses. In terms of thermal neutron absorbing capacity, the presence of B in the glass matrix ensures that the ZBB-glasses are good thermal neutron absorption. ZBB25 has the highest thermal neutron absorption capacity among the investigated glasses. Generally, ZBB-glasses can be adopted for photon, thermal neutron, proton, and alpha particle shielding purposes. In addition, elastic (shear, longitudinal, and Young's) moduli and Poisson's ratio are changed significantly with the increase of Bi2O3 content mol% in ZBB-glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent alumino lithium borate glass ceramics with the form of 60B2O3–20Al2O3–(20-x)Li2O–xCuO: x = 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2, and 2.4 mol% (BLiAlCu0.0–BLiAlCu2.4) have been synthesized via the conventional quenching process. Physical properties and infrared spectra were investigated to explain the change in the structure of the prepared glass ceramics. The suitability of such glass ceramics as gamma radiation-shielding materials was also evaluated via Phy-X/PSD program. The density of the BLiAlCu samples increases from 2.2393 to 2.3432 (g/cm3), while the molar volume decreases from 30.4287 to 29.5880 (cm3/mol) with the increase of CuO from 0.0 to 2.4 mol% in samples. XRD spectra approve the crystalline nature of the prepared samples. FTIR shows presence of characteristic vibrational groups of borate partner. The MAC of the prepared BLiAlCu0.0–BLiAlCu2.4 glass ceramics samples follows the trend of (BLiAlCu2.4)MAC > (BLiAlCu2.0)MAC > (BLiAlCu1.6)MAC > (BLiAlCu1.2)MAC > (BLiAlCu0.8)MAC > (BLiAlCu0.4)MAC > (BLiAlCu0.0)MAC. The HVL and MFP were seen to follow the trend of (BLiAlCu2.4)HVL,MFP < (BLiAlCu2.0)HVL,MFP < (BLiAlCu1.6)HVL,MFP < (BLiAlCu1.2)HVL,MFP < (BLiAlCu0.8)HVL,MFP < (BLiAlCu0.4)HVL,MFP < (BLiAlCu0.0)HVL,MFP. The BLiAlCu2.4 glass ceramic sample introduced high MAC and high Zeff besides having less HVL and MFP among all BLiAlCu samples. Therefore, BLiAlCu2.4 is a candidate for shielding the gamma ray ionizing radiation when compared with the other prepared samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photon and neutron shielding factors and elastic moduli of phosphate glass doped with Tm3+ ions (abbreviated as PPKANT glasses) have been analyzed. MCNP-5 simulation code, and Phy-X/PSD software have been utilized to estimate the gamma rays and neutron shielding capacity. Furthermore, Makishima and Mackenzie’s theory has been performed to calculate elastic moduli. Young’s modulus, bulk modulus, and shear modulus have been varied from 40.71 to 43.62 GPa, 28.01 to 30.65 GPa, and 16.18 to 17.27 GPa, respectively. Poisson’s ratio changed from 0.257 for PPKANT0.1 glass to 0.263 for PPKANT4 glass. At low gamma photon energy (0.015 meV), the LAC increased with the increase of Tm3+ content (LAC = 155.54 and 170.18 cm−1 for glass samples PPKANT0.1 and PPKANT4, respectively). At high energy (15 MeV), the LAC changed from 0.118 to 0.124 cm−1 for PPKANT0.1 to PPKANT4. The highest values of the HVL decreased from 5.734 to 5.570 cm. The trend of MFP was like the HVL trend. At 15 MeV, the values of the EBF and EABF were rapidly increased with the increase in the penetration depth (PD), especially for PD > 20 mfp. The lowest ∑R was achieved for glasses PPKANT4 with 4 mol % Tm2O3, where ∑R = 0.02561 cm2g−1. The investigated PPKANT glasses can be considered good neutron and photon shields compared to some traditional radiation shielding materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma-ray/neutron shielding capacity and mechanical properties of erbium-doped potassium manganese borate glasses with the chemical form of (1 − x)MnO–29K2O–70B2O3–xEr2O3: x = 0–1 mol% coded as E0–E5 via bond compression model, XCOM software, and PHITS simulations have been investigated. The bulk modulus (KB.C) values increased from 90.19 for E0 glass sample with free Er2O3 to 101.24 GPa for E5 glass sample with Er2O3 = 1 mol%. The Young’s modulus (EB.C) increased from 102.68 GPa to 115.38 GPa, while the longitudinal modulus (LB.C) increased from 142.31 GPa to 159.81 GPa for E0–E5 glasses. Poisson’s ratio (σB.C) decreased from 0.310261 to 0.310065 with the increase of Er3+ ions in the investigated glasses. Hardness of E0–E5 glasses was increased from 4.96 GPa to 5.58 GPa. The mass attenuation coefficient (µ/ρ) values were the highest at the least energy of 0.284 MeV with values of 0.1080, 0.1096, 0.1113, 0.1129, 0.1145, and 0.1161 cm2 g−1 for E0, E1, E2, E3, E4, and E5, respectively. Moreover, radiation protection efficiency (RPE) of the E0–E5 glasses was estimated using PHITS simulation code. The highest RPE was observed for E5 glass with a thickness of 5 cm. Finally, the neutron shielding capacity of E0–E5 glasses was evaluated in terms of the fast neutron removal cross section (FNRCS). The values of FNRCS increased by adding Er2O3 content and a sharp increase was observed at xEr2O3: x = 0.8 mol%. Generally, one can conclude that the E5 glass sample with the highest Er2O3 (1 mol%) concentration is the best sample as radiation shield among all the studied glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the optical properties and gamma-ray competence of barium–lead borate glasses with chemical form BaO–B2O3–PbO have been investigated. The optical features such as optical energy gap (Eoptical), linear refractive index (n), molar refraction (Rmolar), molar polarizability (αmolar), metallization criterion (M), dielectric constants (static and optical), reflection loss (Rloss), optical transmission (Toptical) and others for the investigated glasses were calculated. Results show that Eoptical measures in (eV) and Eoptical values were changed from 3.18 to 2.53 eV, while n increases from 2.350 to 2.536. Phy-X/PSD software has been applied to report the radiation attenuation factors of the tested glasses. The results implied that all samples have the high attenuation ability at lower energies and the maximum µ/ρ is reported at 15 keV and lies within the range of 29.398 and 68.228 cm2/g. The minimum effective atomic number (Zeff) occurs at 1.5 MeV and equals to 10.90, 11.30, 12.41, 13.57, 16.79 and 20.55 for the tested glasses. At 0.2 MeV, the Zeff changes from 19.42 to 49.10 due to the increase of PbO from 0.5 to 30 wt%. The half value layer (HVL) results revealed that the current glasses have very low HVL values at the 15 keV (in the range of 0.00202 to 0.00671 cm). The HVL increases with the energy which indicates that the photon with high energy can penetrate the samples easily. The HVL results also showed that increasing the density of the samples leading to reduce the HVL and BBP30 has the thinner HVL, while BBP0.5 has the thicker HVL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on examining the radiation shielding features of seven boro-tellurite glasses in the form of TeO2–B2O3–SrCl2–LiF–Bi2O3. Gamma rays and neutrons shielding features of these glasses have been tested in terms of mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ), half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), and removal cross section (∑R). The μ/ρ values of the present glasses were simulated by Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations over an extended energy range of 0.015 − 20 MeV and then the generated data were verified using the calculated values of WinXCOM software. Additionally, geometric progression (G–P) method was used to estimate gamma ray exposure buildup factor (EBF) for the prepared glasses. It is noted that μ/ρ and Zeff values increase, while MFP and HVL values decrease as TeO2 content increases in the glass sample. The EBF values would be useful to design or develop the present glasses for gamma shielding applications. Results reveal that the present glasses have good capability for gamma rays shielding compared with some commercial radiation shielding materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the optical characterization of borate glasses with composition 35Li2O − 10ZnO − 55B2O3 − xMnO2: x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt% has been investigated. The absorption spectra measurements within the wavelength domain 200–1000 nm have been carried out. The optical energy gap of the investigated samples using the absorption spectrum fitting (ASF) model has been calculated. The molar refraction, molar polarizability, reflection loss, optical transmission for the samples were estimated. The metallization criterion, dielectric constant, refractive index, and energy band metallization criterion for the studied glasses were estimated. Magnetic property measurements for all glass samples were carried out at 300 K. Additionally, the prospects of gamma-ray interactions with the investigated glasses have been achieved through studying the total mass attenuation, coherent, Compton, photoelectric, and pair production interactions at photon energy in the range of 0.356–1.330 MeV. Results reveal that the optical and magnetic properties of the investigated glasses change with changing the MnO2 concentration. Studied glasses can be used as a candidate for optical fiber and optical devices application. In the other hand, at lower gamma photon energy range, the photoelectric absorption dominates with the glasses, while as the energy increases, the probability of Compton scattering and pair production become the most dominate interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the useless municipal solid waste (MSW) ashes, CeO2, Gd2O3 and CeO2 + Gd2O3 doped borosilicate glasses were organized via melting-quenching procedure. Various optical, structural, physical and radiation shielding parameters were examined towards the influence of 100 kGy of γ-radiation. UV–visible NIR spectra revealed UV peaks at 351, 348 and 370 nm corresponding to the trivalent states of Ce3+ and Gd3+ ions, while, photoluminescence (PL) spectra displayed asymmetric broad excitations of Ce3+ and Gd3+ ions due to 4f → 5d transitions, and emission intense bands at 412, 434, and 417 nm. CIE chromaticity shows that Gd3+ ions increase the luminescence of Ce3+. FTIR absorption bands revealed an overlapping between tetrahedral groups of silicate (SiO4), with trigonal (BO3) and tetrahedral (BO4) units of borate. The influence of 100 kGy obtains quite reduction in UV–visible NIR and PL peaks, large stability in FTIR and ESR spectra, and stability of thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) as well. The whole data revealed optical, structural and physical stability of glasses after irradiation besides an enhancement in microhardness owing to more structural compactness and high bonding connectivity. Radiation shielding parameters from Phy-X/PSD program showed higher values of mass (MAC) and linear attenuation coefficients (LAC), and effective atomic number (Zeff) in the order of; glass Ce+Gd > glass Ce > glass Gd. Ce + Gd doped glass revealed also the lowest half value layer (HVL) comparing to other shielding commercial concretes. The study recommends the beneficial and economical use of the useless MSW ash to produce CeO2 and/or Gd2O3 borosilicate glasses with hopeful radiation shielding features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High density glass samples of chemical composition 70B2O3–20CaO–(10 − x)Bi2O3–xEu2O3: 0 (BCBEu0.0) ≤ x ≤ 1 (BCBEu1.0) mol% were synthesized by melt-quenched route. The amorphous structure of glass blocks is established by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum. The physical, mechanical properties as well as gamma-ray shielding characteristics of the synthesized glass blocks were investigated. Density of samples showed an increment from 5.0373 to 5.0736 gcm−3. The molar volume decreased from 25.012 cm3/mol for BCBEu0.0 (Eu = 0.0) to 24.605cm3/mol for BCBEu1.0 (Eu = 1.0). Elastic moduli and Poisson's ratio have been estimated according to Makishima and Mackenzie via the system values of dissociation free energies and packing densities. The oxygen molar volume decreased from 9.62 to 9.46346 cm3/mol, whereas Poisson's glasses ratio varies between 0.250 and 0.257 as the [Eu2O3] mol% is improved from 0 to 1.0 mol%. Young's modulus has a value of 63.202 GPa and increased to 65.002 GPa at lower and higher [Er2O3] mol%, respectively. Shielding properties of investigated glasses have been estimated utilizing XCOM, and Phys-X/PSD program. Mass and linear attenuation coefficient were found to increase as the mol% of Eu2O3 increased. The sample coded as BCBEu1.0 with high density possessed lowest values of half-value layer. The glass BCBEu1.0 pointed out to be a superior when used as radiation protection agent. The suggested glass sample loaded with high concentration of europium has a strong ability to guard against radiation as compared to glasses without and low concentration of europium and it can be used in the field of medicine, according to the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the effect of nitrogen ion implantation on the physical and optical properties of prepared glasses. Implantation of N+ ions was performed at concentrations of 5 × 1016 and 5 × 1017 ions/cm2 and energy of 150 keV. The morphological investigation was conducted using SEM analysis. The structural change is primarily comprehended through optical and physical investigation. With increasing ion concentrations, the optical band gap shifts and the cut-off wavelength increases simultaneously. This is due to the band edge sharpness induced by band tailing introduced during the implantation procedure. In addition, measurements of the glass transition temperatures revealed that as ion concentrations increased, the glass structure became less rigid. These results shed light on the effects of nitrogen ion implantation on the numerous properties of glasses. Results revealed that the sample encoded as Bi-10 possessed the highest values of mass and linear attenuation coefficients among all studied glasses. In terms of the half, tenth value layers, and mean free path, the sample Bi-10 possessed the lowest values. Therefore, the Bi-10 sample had the highest capacity as radiation shielding glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structure, physical, optical properties, and radiation shielding capacity of some calcium borophosphate glasses with the nominal compositions of 50B2O3 + 20P2O5+(20-X)CaO + 10Na2O + XGd2O3: X = 0 (Gd-0.0), 0.5 (Gd-0.5), 1.0 (Gd-1.0), 1.5 (Gd-1.5), and 2.0 (Gd-2.0) mol% were investigated. The studied samples were prepared via the conventional melt quenching procedure. The Phy-X/PSD software employed to evaluate the γ-ray absorption competence. XRD measurements indicate that the Gd-X samples were in amorphous nature. Density (ρ) increased from 2.31 g/cm3 to 2.60 g/cm3, whereas molar volume (Vm) declined from 34.80 cm3/mol to 33.50 cm3/mol. In UV region, Gd-X glasses recorded two absorption bands at 240 and 280 nm. The optical energy band gap (Eg) ranged from 3.35 to 3.20 eV, whereas refractive index (n) varied from 2.32 to 2.36. Values of the nonlinear refractive index (n2) changed from 4.11 × 10− 11 esu to 4.64 × 10− 11 esu. Values of the values of third order optical susceptibility (χ(3)) changed from 2.53 × 10− 12 esu to 2.89 × 10− 12 esu. Trend of the mass-(MAC) and linear-(LAC) absorption coefficients for Gd-X samples followed by the order that Gd-0.0 < Gd-0.5 < Gd-1.0 < Gd-1.5 < Gd-2.0. Trend of half-(HVL) and tenth-(TVL) value layers followed by the order that Gd-0.0 > Gd-0.5 > Gd-1.0 > Gd-1.5 > Gd-2.0. Results showed that the suggested Gd-X glasses can be applied for optical and medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of vanadium oxide (V2O5) on the structural, dielectric, and shielding features of borate-lead-fluoride glasses was investigated. The density of the glass network increased steadily from 3.18 to 3.28 g.cm−3 as the vanadium content increased from 0.0 to 10 mol%. The evolution of functional groups and units such as non-bridging BO3, and bridging BO4, in our newly developed glasses was exposed by FTIR analysis. Since the fraction of bridging units BO4 increases when V2O5 is added up to 2 mol%. This indicates that the conversion of BO3 groups into BO4 groups is facilitated by V2O5. However, at higher concentrations of V2O5 (> 2 mol%), a reversal reaction occurs wherein the BO3 unit fraction increases and the BO4 unit fraction starts to decrease. All the glasses loaded with different amounts of V2O5 mol% had a sharp decline in dielectric constant with increasing frequency over the low frequency interval. As the V2O5 level grew up to 2 mol%, the dielectric constant value was marginally reduced and then increased for higher concentrations. All of the glasses under examination displayed different relaxation peaks in the range of 100 Hz to 20 kHz on their measured loss tangent (tan δ), but vanadium doping caused them to shift to higher frequencies. At 0.015 MeV, the maximum MAC values for the V-0.0 to V-10.0 samples were found to be 29.205 cm2/g to 30.082 cm2/g. In terms of radiation shielding, the V-10.0 sample exhibited the highest values of mass (MAC) and linear (LAC) attenuation coefficients, while the same sample possessed the lowest values of half value layer and mean free path among all investigated glasses. Therefore, the investigate glass can be used in several optical and radiation shielding applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of manganese (II) oxide on elastic–mechanical, effective electron density, effective electrical conductivity, the total atomic and electronic cross sections, and radiation shielding buildup factors parameters of the prepared B2O3–PbO–K2O–MnO glasses is investigated. In terms of mass attenuation coefficient (µm), values of (µm) increased with manganese (II) oxide content increased and followed the trend: (Mn5)µm > (Mn4)µm > (Mn3)µm > (Mn2)µm > (Mn1)µm > (Mn0)µm. Half (T1/2) and tenth (value layer (and T1/10) of the proposed glasses have the same trend. The effective atomic (Zeff) and electron (Neff) numbers of the investigated glasses have a similar trend of the µm, i.e., (Mn5)Zeff,Neff > (Mn4)Zeff,Neff > (Mn3)Zeff,Neff > (Mn2)Zeff,Neff > (Mn1)Zeff,Neff > (Mn10)Zeff,Neff. The effective electrical conductivity (Ceff) varied from 3.62 × 109 (S/m) to 3.90 × 109 (S/m) at photon energy 0.015 MeV and from 1.76 × 109 (S/m) to 1.91 × 109 (S/m) at photon energy 15 MeV. The exposure (EBF) and energy absorption (EABF) buildup factor values are increasing as the molar fraction of MnO is increased. Therefore, the addition of the manganese element to the glass mixture makes it more valuable in shielding performance. The calculated values of Poisson's ratio (σ) are increased from 0.417198 to 0.412746 as the molar fraction of MnO is increased in the sample. Similarly, high Young's moduli values are found to increase from 19.5 to 22.5 consistence's with the obtained Poisson's ratio. Results confirm that the investigated glasses can be used in various radiation shielding fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glasses of chemical compositions 3As2O3-37PbO- (60-x)P2O5- xV2O5 (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 5 mol%) are fabricated by traditional melt-quenching technique. The optical features are considered depending on measuring the absorption and transmission of the fabricated glasses. The indirect optical band gap varied between 4.48 and 3.11 eV, while the direct ones varied from 4.61 to 3.61 eV. Urbach energies were changed from 0.193 to 0.335 eV. Based on the obtained values of band gap, the refractive index was found to be increase with increase vanadium ions in the present glass and varies from 2.032 to 2.380. Basicity, polarizability, electronegativity and some physical constants are determined depending on experimental results. Also, the refractive index and optical band gap are calculated depending on the theoretical optical basicity and molar refractivity. Values of the optical basicity were varied from 1.11 to 1.31 with varying vanadium content from zero to 5 mol%. Static dielectric constant for the favricated glasses was varied from 4.72 to 8.94, while cohesive energy was varied from 1.37 to 1.68 eV/atom. Half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) were followed the trend: (HVL, MFP)V0% > (HVL, MFP)V0.5% > (HVL, MFP)V1% > (HVL, MFP)V2% > (HVL, MFP)V3% > (HVL, MFP)V5%. The electron number density (Neff) and effective conductivity (Ceff) were followed the trend: (Neff, Ceff)V0% < (Neff, Ceff)V0.5% < (Neff, Ceff)V1% < (Neff, Ceff)V2% < (Neff, Ceff)V3% < (Neff, Ceff)V5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear, nonlinear optical properties, photon buildup factors, and neutron shielding capability of glasses with chemical composition (65-x)B2O3-10Sb2O3-25Li2O-xBi2O3, where x = 0 (BSLB0) – 20 (BSLB20) mol% with steps of 4 mol% were examined. Molar refractivity (Rmolar) and molar polarizability (αmolar) were increased as Bi2O3 content mol% increase in the examined BSLB-glasses. The values of metallization criterion (Mcriterion) confirmed that the BSLB-glasses were non-metallic materials. The static (εstatic) and optical (εoptical) dielectric constants having the same trend of the refractive index (noptical). Values of optical electronegativity (χ* ) were reduced from 0.825 for BSLB0 (Bi2O3 = 0 mol%) glasses to 0.758 for BSLB20 (Bi2O3 = 20 mol%) glasses. The linear electric/dielectric susceptibility (X(1)) increased from 0.370 to 0.397. The nonlinear optical susceptibility (X³ ) and nonlinear refractive index n2 optical were enhanced by increasing Bi2O3 content in the BSLB-glasses. The BSLB20 glasses presented the least exposure and energy absorption build-up factors (EBF and EABF) at all considered thickness. BSLB20 sample achieved the best fast neutron removal cross section ( Σ) shield among all glasses. The total stopping powers (TSP) follows the trend (TSP)BSLB0 < (TSP)BSLB4 < (TSP)BSLB8 < (TSP)BSLB12 < (TSP)BSLB16 < (TSP)BSLB20. The electron absorbing and hence shielding capacity of the BSLB-glasses improves as their Bi2O3 content increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Role of Sb2O3 on physical, elastic-mechanical, and gamma-ray protection ability of (70-x)B2O3-15CaO-15Li2O-xSb2O3: x = 0, 1, 3, 5, and 8 mol% glass systems was investigated through this report. The density was improved from 2.410 to 2.780 g.cm3 associated with a simultaneous increase in the molar volume from 25.575 to 28.556 cm3/mol as the mol% of Sb increased in the samples. In addition, the oxygen packing density (OPD) and oxygen molar volume (OMV) were decreased and increased, respectively, as a direct response to this increase in Sb mol%. The Gibbs free energy increases from 32.22 to 33.796 kJ/cm3, while Young's modulus decreases from 43.17 to 41.23 GPa. Therefore, Poisson's ratio (σ) values were varied from 0.4069 to 0.4153. Vicker's hardness was improved by enhancing Sb2O3 concentration. The observed trend of the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) parameter was followed as: MACSb0 < MAC Sb1 < MAC Sb3 < MAC Sb5 < MAC Sb8 with values in the range of 4.176–0.018, 5.907–0.019, 9.032–0.021, 11.775–0.0227, 15.315–0.0245 cm2/g for samples encoded as Sb0-Sb8, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed investigation of the role of titania on gamma and neutron attenuation competence of sodium lead borosilicate 30PbO-20SiO2-(50—y)Na2B4O7 -xTiO2, where y = 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 45 mol%) glasses has been evaluated. XCOM and EXABCal softwares have been utilized to achieve the purposes. The increasing (decreasing) in the molar content of TiO2 (Na2B4O7) from 0 (50) to 45 (5) mole % in the glasses subsequently increases the mass density and improves the photon absorbing ability of the glasses. The values of mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) were followed the same trend for all PSNT-glasses throughout the energy spectrum as at maximum (minimum) energy (MAC)PSNT-0 = 39.29 (0.03), (MAC)PSNT-10 = 42.83 (0.031), (MAC)PSNT-20 = 46.91 (0.032), (MAC)PSNT-30 = 51.66 (0.034), (MAC)PSNT-40 = 57.25 (0.035), and (MAC)PSNT-45 = 60.44 (0.036) cm2/g. Linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) values were followed the same trend as MAC values. The effective atomic number (Zeff) were varied from 15.72–61.84 for PSNT-0, 17.00–61.10 for PSNT-10, 18.63–60.41 for PSNT-20, 20.79–59.76 for PSNT-30, 23.81–59.14 for PSNT-40, and 25.81–58.85 for PSNT-45. For most part of the energy spectrum, Zeff(PSNT-45) > Zeff(PSNT-40) > Zeff(PSNT-30) > Zeff(PSNT-20) > Zeff(PSNT-10) > Zeff(PSNT-0). The increasing in the titanium content of the glasses leads to gradual reduction in half value tenth (HVT). The exposure buildup factor (EBF) is noticed to be high at absorption edges and energies where incoherent scattering are high. The fast neutron removal cross-section (FNRCS) of the glasses was 0.0943, 0.0930, 0.0901, 0.0847, 0.0875, and 0.090 cm−1 for PSNT-0, PSNT-10, PSNT-20, PSNT-30, PSNT-40, and PSNT-45, respectively. Generally, the outcome results confirm that the PSNT-45 is the best photon absorber among the PSNT-glasses and the PSNT-0 is the best neutron shielding ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct effects of tungsten trioxide (WO3) on gamma radiation attenuation properties of tungsten/barium/phosphate glasses with chemical form xWO3–(50-x/2)BaO–(50-x/2)P2O3, x = 0 (S1)–60 (S7) in steps of 10 mol% has been investigated. To this end, Phy-X/PSD software and Monte Carlo code were applied. The increased amount of WO3 in the glass composition, on the other hand, contributed positively to the increase in density and radiation sensing properties. At the lowest and highest WO3 contributions, a nearly twofold increase in HVL value was seen for the S1 and S7 glass samples, respectively, with S7 having the lowest HVL values. The HVL has obeyed the trend as: (HVL)S1 > (HVL)S2 > (HVL)S3 > (HVL)S4 > (HVL)S5 > (HVL)S6 > (HVL)S7. The variation of the tenth value layer (TVL) for all studied glasses has the same trend of HVL. In terms of mean free path (MFP), there was negative effect of WO3 concentration on the trend of MFP. Consequently, S7 glass sample has the lowest values of MFP, while the S1 glass sample has the highest values. Therefore, (MFP)S1 > (MFP)S2 > (MFP)S3 > (MFP)S4 > (MFP)S5 > (MFP)S6 > (MFP)S7. A comparison of the HVL of S7 glass sample with some commercial radiation shielding materials such as different types of concrete and RS-253-G18 glasses has been performed and concluded that the S7 glass sample is superior as radiation shielding material than several commercial materials. It can be concluded that WO3 reinforcement serves a multipurpose of increasing the density and hence the gamma-ray-shielding characteristics of comparable glass compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five samples of barium borosilicate reinforced with various concentrations of CdO with the nominal compositions (43.5 − x)B2O3 + 0.5Sm2O3 + 12SiO2 + 25BaF2 + 19Na2O + xCdO and substitution ratios x = 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 mol% were synthesized using the melt quenching method. The impact of B2O3/CdO on structure, physical parameters, and optical characteristics was investigated. Gamma-ray shielding capacity was evaluated theoretically using Phy-X/PSD software. The amorphous nature of prepared glass samples was verified by XRD measurements. The densities (Ds) enhanced from 2.81 to 3.41 g/cm3, while molar volume (Vm) declined from 33.80 to 29.51 cm3/mol. The UV absorption spectra displayed many bands due to transitions from the ground state (6H5/2) to the excited states of Sm3+ ions. Values of optical band gaps (Eg) declined with increasing CdO concentration, through the direct transition ranged from 2.80 to 2.64 eV, while for the indirect transition going from 2.65 to 2.53 eV. Urbach energy (EU) values varied from 0.1319 to 0.1078 eV. Cd10 sample possessed the maximum and highest mass (MAC) attenuation coefficient, whereas the Cd0 sample possessed the lowest values From the perspective of the half value layer (HVL), Cd10 sample presents the best option for radiation attenuation applications out of all the synthesized samples, and the samples are ranked as follows: Cd10 < Cd7.5 < Cd5 < Cd2.5 < Cd0. Effective atomic number (Zeff) has the same trend of MAC. Results confirmed that the suggested Cdx samples can be applied for optical and radiation shielding uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a newly set of lutetium(III)-doped borosilicate glasses with the chemical formula (49–x)B2O3 + 13SiO2 + 18CaO + 20Li2O + XLu2O3: X takes values from 0 (Lu0.0) to 2 (Lu2.0) at intervals of 0.5 mol% has been prepared via the traditional quenching technique. The impact of the inclusion Lu3+ ions in the glasses network on the physical, and Raman spectroscopy has been investigated. XRD measurements confirmed the amorphous state of Lu-X glasses. The density (ρ) of Lu-X glasses varied from 25.10 × 10–1 g/cm3 for Lu0.0 glass sample to 26.40 × 10–1 g/cm3 for Lu-2.0 glasses. The molar volume (Vm) of Lu-X glasses was increased from 23.10 to 24.37 cm3/mol as Lu2O3 content increased from 0 to 2 mol%. The oxygen packing density (OPD) values reduced from 91.33 to 86.59 g atm/l. The oxygen molar volume (VO) values enhanced from 10.95 to 11.55 cm3/mol. The average boron–boron separation ⟨dB−B⟩ slightly changed in the glass matrix. The inclusion of Lu3+ ions into the host matrix of the Lu-X glasses leads to convert certain BO3 groups into BO4 groups, hence enhancing the amount of non-bridging oxygen bonds (NBOs). This fact is confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The linear-(µ) attenuation absorption follows the order: (µ)Lu0.0 < (µ)Lu0.5 < (µ)Lu1.0 < (µ)Lu1.5 < (µ)Lu2.0. Values of half-value layer (HVL) follow the trend: (HVL)Lu0.0 > (HVL)Lu0.5 > (HVL)Lu1.0 > (HVL)Lu1.5 > (HVL)Lu2.0. Lu2.0 glass is located in the mid-point or a suitable point among the commercial concrete materials as γ-ray shields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects on mechanical and γ-ray shielding competence of TiO2-based glasses of chemical composition: 30PbO⋅4MoO3⋅(66 − z)B2O3⋅zTiO2 (0.0 < z < 2.0 mol%) was calculated in this report. The glass density was found to increase in the range of 4.650–4.696 g/cm3 concurrent with a decline in the oxygen molar volume (OMV) from 10.633 to10.547 cm3/mol when [Ti4+] molar fraction is increased in the glass samples. The Gibbs free energy was found to be between 20.874 and 22.586 kJ/cm3 and was found to be influenced by TiO2 concentration in these glasses and on the valance states of Ti3+ and Mo5+. The affinity of mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) values (0.039 < MAC < 6.198 g/cm3) in the examined photon energy domain 0.015 < E < 15.0 MeV has the following chronological sorting: MACT0 < MACT2 < MACT4 < MACT6 < MACT8 < MACT10 < MACT15 < MACT20. The half-value-layer (HVL) trend of Mo-glasses was balanced against two standard RS-glass systems and discovered to possess a less γ-ray shielding competence as RS-(360, 520) or concrete. Also, we found that when the [Ti3+]/[Mo5+] ratio exceeds 0.8 mol%, then both ions participate in the studied properties via de-polymerization of the glass network. These outcomes revealed that the safety effectiveness against radiation and physic-mechano-properties can be synchronized for diverse purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, for the first time the machine learning (ML) based refractive index (n) approach is established depends on the density (ρ) parameter of glasses for a dataset of 2000 oxide glasses to predict refractive index of B2O3-CaO-Li2O-Sb2O3 glasses. Density of the investigated glasses varied from 2.56 to 2.97 gm/cm3. The corresponding refractive index was changed from 2.540 to 2.405. The refractive index prediction based on density parameter derived from the density of glasses and constant 'K'. For all M-L techniques including gradient descent (GD), artificial neural network (ANN), and random forest regression (RFR), the density factor is used as an independent variable and the experimental refractive index as a dependent variable. The data set of 10,000 oxide glass samples was employed to forecast density using a variety of machine learning approaches. In comparison to other models, the Random forest regression (RFR) model fitted the glass data with the highest R2 value of 0.949 for refractive index prediction and 0.925 for density prediction. For both the prediction of density and refractive index, the R2 is controlled to 0.932 and 0.9223, respectively. The highest R2 values for refractive index and density prediction were gained when the tanh activation function was used in an artificial neural network (ANN) with varied activation functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of phosphate glasses, whose chemical composition is (65-x) P2O5–15 Li2O–15 ZnO– 5Bi2O3–xLa2O3, was achieved by a rapid melt-quench procedure plus casting. Raising the quantity of La3+ in glasses causes a drop in molar volume and a corresponding rise in density. FTIR spectroscopy has been employed to investigate the structural modifications resulting from La3+ doping. A reduction in bond angles and the shrinking the structural framework of the polymerized network are the reasons behind numerous new behaviors observed when the dopant La3+ content of phosphate glass is increased. UV–visible-NIR measurements revealed a redshift in the optical absorption edge toward higher wavelengths and a reduction in the magnitude of an optical energy gap (Eg). The direct optical gap (Eg) decreased from 4.005 to 3.926 eV, whereas the corresponding indirect optical gap (Eg) decreased from 3.81 to 3.62 eV. Non-bridging oxygens (NBOs) have been shown to be the source of the decrease in Eg. The nonlinear optically susceptibilities (χ), nonlinear coefficient of refraction (n2), and optically refractive index (n0) all increase as the quantity of La3+ rises, whereas the metallization criterion(M) and molar refraction (Rmolar) computation indicates declining values as the quantity of La3+ ions rise in the glass structure. Photoluminescence spectra of La2O3 doped phosphate glass carried at an excitation wavelength of 220 nm which exhibit emission peaks at 243, 260, and 275 nm in UV region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, comprehensive experimental measurements have been achieved to assess the gamma shielding properties of the five unique compositions and highly dense PBSCCx-glass (4.13–4.51 g/cm3) at selected gamma-ray energies (81–2614 keV). Several significant radiation shielding factors, such as mass attenuation coefficient, half value layer, and Radiation protection efficiency (RPE), have been determined. The experimental outcome data agrees with those obtained via FLUKA codes. The PBSCCx-glasses possessed μ values as: 0.2813, 0.2881, 0.2939, 0.2999, and 0.3065 cm2/g for PBSCC00, PBSCC2.5, PBSCC5.0, PBSCC7.5, and PBSCC10 at 0.662 MeV, respectively. At all selected energy, PBSCC10 glasses (10 wt%) reported the lowest T1/2 with a reduction of up to 92% at 2.614 MeV compared to PBSCC00 and recorded the. Furthermore, PBSCC10 has the highest RPE. These findings demonstrate that the PBSCC10 glass exhibits excellent attenuation properties when compared to other tested materials. Through systematic variation of CeO2 concentrations and comparison of experimental data with FLUKA simulation results, the study provided a comprehensive analysis of gamma shielding properties, validating findings and enhancing understanding of how different CeO2 levels impact radiation attenuation. That provides novel insights into the optimal composition for enhanced gamma-ray shielding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation was conducted into the impact of titanium ion (TiO2) on the structural, dielectric, and shielding characteristics of glasses. Density improved from 3.70 to 3.93 g cm−3 as samples containing titanium ions rose from 0.0 to 10 mol% in the glasses network. FTIR investigations revealed the development of functional groups and units, including bridging BO4 and non-bridging BO3, in our recently developed glasses. Throughout the low frequency range, the dielectric constant of every glass filled with various amounts of TiO2 mol% sharply decreased as frequency increased. The dielectric constant value appeared semi-constant as the TiO2 level increased to 4 mol% and then increased at higher concentrations. Every glass that was examined showed distinct relaxation peaks on their measured loss tangent (tan δ) between 100 Hz and 20 kHz. The exposure (EBF) as well as energy absorption (EABF) buildup factors of Ti-X glasses were computed using Phy-X/PSD software as a function of photon energy at 1–40 MFP. Both EBF and EABF improved with increasing photon energy until they reached a maximum, at which point they declined as photon energy continued to rise. The Ti-10.0 glass sample which contains the highest doping of the TiO2 is the most effective removal cross-section. The sample Ti-10.0 had the lowest relaxation length (λFCS) and half value layer (HVLFCS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three glass systems of Cu2+ ions doped lithium-borate with the composition of 56B2O3 + 25Li2O + 10Na2O + 5CaO + 2SrO + 2Al2O3 + 0.5TeO2 + xCuO, where x = 0.0, 0.2, and 0.3 wt% are synthesized by the conventional melt quenching method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, physical properties and ionizing radiation shielding performance of the prepared Cu2+-glasses have been investigated. All prepared Cu2+-glasses are in an amorphous structure nature. The density increases from 2.4379 to 2.4597 g.cm−3 as the Cu2+ ions content increased from 0.0 to 0.3 wt%. The FTIR spectra reveal four basic active areas in the IR spectra region (400–4000 cm−1). FTIR absorption spectra of glasses after irradiation with 10 kGy show that some of BO3 triangles are converted into BO4 groups. The ESR spectra for the investigated glasses exhibit highest intensity of the signal at the highest irradiation dose of 10 kGy. Linear attenuations coefficients (LACs) of the investigated glasses were arranged in order: (Cu0.0)LAC < (Cu0.2)LAC < (Cu0.3)LAC. Half-value layers (HVLs) values were found 0.088, 0.085, 0.083 cm, and 15.54, 15.43, 15.32 cm for Cu0.0, Cu0.2, and Cu0.3 at 0.015 and 15 MeV, respectively. MFPs arranged from 0.128 to 22.419 cm, and from 0.12 to 22.119 cm for Cu0.0–Cu0.3 at 0.015 and 15 MeV, respectively. For Cu0.3 glass, the transmission factor for gamma photon with energy 0.05 MeV decreased in order 63.53, 40.36, and 6.57% with increasing the glass thickness between 0.5, 1, and 3 cm, respectively. Finally, the results concluded that the 0.3 wt% CuO glass is considered as the best shield for gamma radiation among the other prepared glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six glass samples of new lead borate with chemical formula 5Al2O3–5Na2O–(90-x)B2O3–xPbO, where 0 ≤ x ≤ 50 mol% have been synthesized using the melt quenching technique. The prepared glasses distinguished by codes as x = 0 (ANBP00)—x = 50 (ANBP50) mol%. The physical properties and gamma-ray shielding capability of the glasses have been investigated. To achieve these aims, the amorphous structure of all glasses was examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The density and molar volume have been calculated. Density of the glasses increases from 2.133 (g/cm3) for ANBP00 glass sample to 5.010 (g/cm3) for ANBP50 sample. The XMuDat and XCOM programs were used to calculate the mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) in the photon energy range of 0.015–10 MeV for all glasses. The difference between the obtained values of XMuDat and XCOM is found to be less than 1%. Half value layer (HVL), effective atomic number (Zeff), and mean free path (MFP) as γ-ray shielding features have been evaluated using values of the (μ/ρ) for all proposed glasses. Results reveal that ANBP50 and ANBP00 samples possess a maximum Zeff and a minimum Zeff, respectively. Indeed, ANBP50 glass has lowest values of (HVL) and (MFP). Therefore, addition of PbO content in the prepared glasses has a considerable effect to improve the shielding effectiveness for these glasses. Finally, ANBP50 glass can be considered as a promising candidate for gamma-ray protection applications among different types of concretes, commercial glasses, and HMO glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of photon attenuation and optical properties was performed for (20Bi2O3–60B2O3–(20-y)PbO–yTiO2), where y = 0.0, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 wt%) glassy system. UV–Vis absorption measurements for the glasses in the range of 90–1100 nm wavelengths have been recorded. Based on the absorption spectra, the band gap of optical energy for each glass sample has been evaluated using absorbance spectrum fitting ( E Optical ASF ) and derivative absorbance spectrum fitting ( E Optical DASF ) models and compared with those obtained by Tauc's method. E Optical ASF varies from 2.405 to 2.008 eV, while E Optical DASF takes values from 3.000 to 2.914 eV. Indeed, different optical parameters such as refractive index, molar polarizability, molar refractivity, metallization criterion, dielectric constants, optical transmission, reflection loss, band gap of optical energy-based metallization criterion, and refractive index-based metallization criterion have been evaluated. Moreover, several shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficients, linear attenuation coefficient, half-value layer, tenth-value layer, mean free path, effective atomic numbers, and effective electron densities have been evaluated using the WinXCOM program in the energy range 0.010–15 MeV for the prepared glass system. At 1 MeV photon energy, the half value layer for the investigated glasses takes values from 2.03 to 2.15 cm. The results showed that the studied glasses can be applied as candidate for radiation shielding materials according to their coefficients of mass attenuation and HVL values, especially the composition with the highest value of PbO (20 wt%), which introduced good nuclear radiation shielding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, five samples of tellurite-based glasses with chemical composition TeO2–ZnO–NiO coded as (TZN1–TZN5) have been reported to investigate their optical and gamma-ray shielding properties. Index of refraction (no), molar refraction (RM), molar polarizability (αM), metallization property (M), and static dielectric constant (ε) for all the proposed glasses have been determined. Mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) for the proposed glasses were calculated by Geant4 simulation code and WinXCOM software in the photon energy region 0.001–10 MeV. The obtained values from these methods were compared, and the correlation factor for each glass sample (R2) value was found to be 0.999. Based on the obtained values of μ/ρ and densities of the samples, different γ-ray shielding parameters such as half-value layer (HVL), effective atomic number (Zeff), and mean free path were evaluated. The HVL values for the selected glasses decreased in the order TZN1 < TZN2 < TZN3 < TZN4 < TZN5 and shielding effectiveness for the studied glasses were compared in the term of MFP with some traditional concretes, commercial glasses, and heavy metal oxide glasses. Results reveal that the studied glasses are promising candidates for radiation-shielding applications and can be applied in several of optical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, glasses with composition (75−y)B2O3−yBi2O3−12.5Na2O−12.5CaO: y = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mol% were fabricated by conventional method (melt quenching). The amorphous state of the glasses was tested by XRD measurements. Densities and molar volumes of the prepared samples were measured. The optical absorption spectra were registered in UV–Vis range of 190–1100 nm wavelength. The optical energy gaps ( E ASF Optical ) for all samples were evaluated using the absorption spectrum fitting (ASF) method. Indeed, refractive index (n) and optical dielectric constant (εOptical) have been studied. Results reveal that the ( E ASF Optical ) reduces, while (n) and (εOptical) increase with increasing Bi2O3 content. Photon-shielding parameters for the glasses were examined by computing the mass attenuation coefficients (µ/ρ) in the energy range 0.356–2.506 MeV with the help of WinXCOM program. It is found that the suggested glasses are promising materials for photon shielding with enhancement of Bi2O3 concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New zinc lead borate glasses with (50B2O3–10ZnO–(40 − y) PbO)–yFe2O3: 0 ≤ y ≤ 10 wt%) composition were synthesized by the conventional melt-quench technique. The amorphous nature of the glasses was tested by using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. FTIR spectra for the glasses were recorded in the range of 4000–400 cm−1. Physical properties of the proposed glasses were evaluated. The mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) for the glasses were calculated by the Geant4 simulation toolkit code and XCOM software within the photon energy range 365–2510 keV. Different γ-ray shielding parameters such as half-value layer, tenth value layer, and transmission fraction for the proposed glasses were evaluated using the obtained values of the (μ/ρ). Results reveal that for 1 cm glass thickness, the (50B2O3–10ZnO–30PbO)–10Fe2O3 sample has the highest transmission, due to the lower amount of Pb, and thus poorer shielding capability among the other glass samples. In addition, the probabilities of γ-ray interaction with the studied glasses were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A set of Makrofol DE 1-1 polymeric samples was irradiated to different gamma doses. The dielectric response of irradiated polymers was investigated at a wide range of frequencies at room temperature. The modification induced in optical properties include the optical band gap (Eoptical), number of carbon per cluster (M), number of carbon per length (N), and refractive index (n) for irradiated samples were studied as well. Methods: The dielectric constant (έ), dielectric loss factor (ε˝), loss tangent (tanδ), the ac electrical conductivity (σac), and impedance (Z) were measured in the frequency range from (100) Hz to (100) MHz. The optical band gap energy and its corresponding parameters for the samples were evaluated using ineffective thickness method (ITM). Results: Gamma-ray irradiation had a considerable effect on the optical band gap energy for Makrofol DE 1-1 polymer detector film, which decreases from 4.20 to 3.96 eV and 4.35 to 4.16 eV for indirect and direct allowed transitions in ITM method, respectively, while it decreases from 4.40 to 4.20 eV in DITM method as a result of γ-ray dose increases. (n) of all studied samples is considerably high. (N) and (M) for the direct transition are lower than that for the indirect transition and their values increase with increasing gamma dose. Conclusion: The results reveal that Makrofol DE1-1 polymer can be used as gamma dosimeter. Furthermore, Makrofol DE1-1 has much greater resistance to radiation damage; the attained results suggested strongly the applicability of Makrofol DE1-1 polymer to be used in medical products applications and suitable for optoelectronic and photoelectric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Newly cerium oxide (CeO2)-doped borophosphate glasses with chemical formula B2O3 + P2O5 + CaO + Na2O + xCeO2: x = 0.0–1.5 mol% were fabricated by using the conventional melt-quenching technique. Structural, optical, and physical characteristics of the proposed samples have been investigated. XRD measurements proved the amorphous nature of the prepared BCe-X glasses. Density (ρ) of samples varied from 2.83 ± 0.01 g/cm3 to 2.95 ± 0.01 g/cm3, while the molar volume (Vm) reduced from 28.41 ± 0.01 cm3/mol to 27.81 ± 0.01 cm3/mol as CeO2 increased from 0.0 to 1.5 mol% in the BCe-X network. The absorption spectra of the proposed BCe-X glasses showed the absence of the absorption bands at 345 and 450 nm. The values of refractive index (n) decreased during the wavelength range (normal dispersion) for the present BCe-X glass samples. Values of optical band gap (Eg) exhibited a reduction behavior, it found be decreased from 4.04 eV to 3.89 eV as the CeO2 concentrations elevated from 0 to 1.5 mol %. The non-linear refractive index (n2) and the third-order non-linear optical susceptibility (χ(3)) increased gradually with CeO2 additives. Results showed that the suggested BCe-X compositions can be applied for many advanced opto-electronic and communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the role of TiO2 on the physica, and optical properties as well as the γ-ray protection features of a set of six glass samples with the chemical formula (65-X)B2O3–15BaO–5Bi2O3–15ZnO–XTiO2, where X = 0–10 mol% in the step of 2% have been investigated. The density (ρ) increased gradually from 3.70 to 3.93 g/cm3 and the molar volume (Vm) reduced from 27.71 to 26.72 cm3/mol as the TiO2 content increased from 0 to 10 mol%. By the inclusion of TiO2 in the glass networks, some absorption bands in the ultraviolet and visible regions are formed. Values of the indirect optical band gaps (Eg) were 2.550, 2.510, 2.470, 2.370, 2.270, and 2.180 eV for Ti-0.0, Ti-2.0, Ti-4.0, Ti-6.0, Ti-8.0, and Ti-10.0 glasses, respectively. The linear refractive index (n0) calculated values varied from 2.515 to 2.631. The linear-attenuation coefficient ( μ) followed the order: Ti-0.0 < Ti-2.0 < Ti-4.0 < Ti-6.0 < Ti-8.0 < Ti-10.0. The sample coded as Ti-10.0 glass sample (highest content of TiO2) has the lowest half (HVL) and tenth (TVL) value layer. Within the investigated energy range of within the range: 51.590–19.480, 50.676–19.722, 50.696–19.833, 50.271–20.012, 49.860–20.193, and 49.460–20.376 for the prepared samples Ti-0.0, Ti-2.0, Ti-4.0, Ti-6.0, Ti-8.0, and Ti-10.0 glasses, respectively. Results confirmed that the suggested titanium bismo-borate glasses can be used in the optical field and as alternative materials for radiation shielding applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The melt-quenching method was used to manufacture newly synthesized glasses with a nominal composition of 60B2O3 – 20CaO – 15ZnO – 5Li2O – xEu2O3: 0 (Eu-0.0) ≤ x ≤ 0.5 (Eu-0.5) mol%. The structural, physical, FTIR, UV–visible spectra, and mechanical properties of the synthesized Eu-x glasses are examined. XRD results verified the amorphous condition of proposed glasses. The density (ρ) of the prepared glasses increased from 3.231 to 3.338 g cm−3, but in contrast, the molar volume (VM) decreased from 20.643 to 20.506 cm3 mol−1 with increasing Eu3+ ions. FTIR spectroscopy illustrated absorbance peaks appear around 393 and 464 nm, which indicates the presence of electronic states in the wide band gap of glass matrix. These peaks are attributed to the 5L6 and 5D2 electronic states of Eu3+ ions. UV–visible measurements showed an improvement in optical absorbance and a decrease in optical energy gap. The Eu3+ ions mol% doping into the proposed glasses results in generating photoluminescence glasses, which is attributed to the 5D0 → 7F1, 5D0 → 7F2, 5D0 → 7F3, and 5D0 → 7F4 electronic transitions of Eu3+ ions. Thus, the emission spectra due to the 393 nm excitation results in the appearance of emission peaks at 593 (orange), 617 (strong red), 653 (red), and 698 (red) nm. The Poisson's ratio (σ) of Eu-x glasses is decreased from 0.3927 to 0.3903 as the molar fraction of Eu3+ ions is increased from 0.0 to 0.5 mol%. The thermodynamic properties of the glassy network are hidden in the Gibbs free energy (G) which started at 33.56 and ended at 33.72 kJ.cm−3 at low and high Eu3+ ions content mol%. Furthermore, all elastic moduli increased linearly with molar increment of Eu3+ ions in the molecular structure of the proposed glassy network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present article, samples of erbium (Er)-doped bismo-borate glasses have been fabricated with general chemical compositions: 70B2O3–10CaO–10Li2O−(10-x)Bi2O3− xEr2O3: 0 (Er-0.0) ≤ x ≤ 1 (Er-1.0) mol% using the conventional melt-quench process. The impact of Er3+ ions on the structure and optical (linear and nonlinear) characteristics of Er-0.0/Er-1.0 glass blocks have been investigated. XRD measurements showed the lack in crystallinity of the prepared samples. In the range of UV-Vis measurements, there are absorption bands attributed to the electronic transitions (4f−4f) of Er3+ ions. The absorption bands seen at wavelengths of approximately 366, 379, 409, 452, 490, 523, 545, 653, 797, and 978 nm are associated with electronic transitions from the ground state, 4I15/2, to several excited states, namely 4G9/2, 2G11/2, 2H9/2, 4F5/2, 4F7/2, 2H11/2, 4S3/2, 4F9/2, 4I9/2, and 4I11/2, respectively. The optical band gap (Eg) values ranged from 2.61 to 3.11 eV for Er0.0 to Er1.0 glass samples, respectively. Values of linear refractive index (n0) ranged from 2.498 to 2.374. Values of the nonlinear refractive index varied from 7.76 to 4.99, while the third order non-linear optical susceptibility (χ(3)) values ranged from 5.14 to 3.14 for Er0.0 to Er1.0 glasses, respectively. Therefore, the suggested glasses can be used in several optical applications such as opto-electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]