Development of advanced, transparent radiation shielding glass possessing phosphate and lead ions in the glassy matrix

Abstract

Glasses of the system (90-x) P 2 O 5 -x PbO-10Fe 2 O 3 (where 25 B x B 45) mol % were prepared by utilizing meltdown quenching technique. Optical and FTIR spectroscopic measurements are utilized to investigate and characterize the given compositions of lead-iron phosphate glasses. During this work, it is aimed to check the chance of utilizing the prepared glass as a good shielding material for radiation. So as to estimate gamma-ray shielding properties of glass samples, mass attenuation coefficients have calculated with the XCOM computer program. The values of half-value layers are calculated. The changes within FTIR spectra because of the presence of metal oxides were referred to the various housing positions and physical properties of various Fe 2? and Pb 2? ions. Calculations of optical band gap energies from the ultraviolet light information were given to examine the chance of utilizing these glasses as gamma radiation shielding material. The results of each optical and FTIR spectra of the studied glasses showed that the dual role of Pb 2? and Fe 3? ions as glass modifier and former, therefore, the glass is denser and a lot of compacts, therefore reducing its molar volume and increasing its hardness, that confirms their shielding behavior and suitability as the radiation shielding candidate materials.