Optical and radiation shielding features for a new series of borate glass samples

A series of borate glass (80-y)B2O3-10ZnO-10CdO-yBaO, where 10 < y < 30, was synthesized by the melt quench method. The durability and optical features were explored to study the structural features. The sample S2 appears the highest durability than other samples. Several optical parameters were determined, such as bandgap, refractive index, reflection loss, metallization, and cutoff wavelength; these parameters show a good relationship with durability. Moreover, comprehensive radiation shielding properties, including gamma, neutron, and proton, were computed theoretically. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC)theoretical was defined by using the XCOM program, the (MAC)theoretical was compared with MCNP values, and the acquired results show excellent compatibility. The sample S5 gives the best sheilding properties for gamma and proton radiations. While, S1 sample provides the highest neutron shielding features. Finally, it can be concluded that the fabricated glass samples can be used as a shielding substance for proton, neutron, and gamma-ray.

Automated summary

By exploring a series of borate glass samples for their durability and optical parameters, it was found that sample S2 exhibited the highest durability and a good correlation with optical features. The radiation shielding properties of the glass samples were also investigated, with sample S5 showing the best shielding properties for gamma and proton radiation, while sample S1 provided the highest neutron shielding features.