KERMA, projected range, mass stopping power and gamma-ray shielding properties of antimony and tellurium reinforced iron phosphate glasses.

In this study, the radiation shielding effectiveness of iron phosphate glass (Fe 2 O 3 –P 2 O 5) doped with antimony (Sb) and tellurium (Te) is assessed in detail using advanced computational methods. The projected range, mass stopping power, and KERMA (Kinetic Energy Released per unit MAss) for fourteen different iron phosphate glass samples are calculated through the PAGEX and SRIM software. Mass attenuation coefficients, linear attenuation coefficients, mean free path, half value layers, tenth value layers, and effective atomic number are determined in 0.015–15 MeV energy range. The research reveals that doping iron phosphate glass with Sb 2 O 3 significantly enhances its shielding capabilities when compared to the inclusion of TeO 2. Another important aspect is, the IPGSb50 sample exhibited the highest KERMA values, indicating its exceptional capacity for energy absorption from ionizing radiation. Additionally, the IPGSb50 sample exhibited the lowest projected range for alpha particles, also this sample demonstrated a similar prowess in limiting the penetration of proton particles. Our findings indicate that the incorporation of Sb 2 O 3 and TeO 2 into iron phosphate glass matrices results in a noticeable improvement in gamma radiation shielding effectiveness. These doped glasses could serve as potent alternatives to traditional lead-based shielding materials, offering a safer and potentially more effective barrier against a variety of radiation types. • Investigated radiation shielding in iron phosphate glass doped with antimony and tellurium using advanced computations. • Analysed fourteen samples for mass stopping power, KERMA values, and gamma attenuation parameters. • Found antimony-doped glass significantly outperforms tellurium-doped glass in radiation shielding effectiveness. • Research implications include applications in medical imaging, nuclear energy, and space exploration sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]