Gamma ray shielding characteristic of BiZnBo-SLS and PbZnBo-SLS glass

The radiation shielding and optical properties of x [R_mO_n] (0.5−x) [ZnO] 0.2 [B₂O₃] 0.3 [SLS], where R_mO_n are Bi₂O₃ and PbO with x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, and 0.45 have been prepared by using the melt-quenching method at 1200 °C and was investigated on their physical, structural and gamma ray shielding properties. Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) data revealed that the particle morphologies is aggregated and irregular in shapes and size. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping data confirmed that all mentioned element all present on the prepared glass. Soda Lime Silica (SLS) that is mainly composed of SiO₂ has been utilized in this study as the source of SiO₂ for fabrication of glass system. From the result, the density and molar volume of both glass samples increased as Bi₂O₃ and PbO content increased. The gamma ray shielding properties, such as linear attenuation and mass attenuation coefficient, were increased while half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) were decreased as the increased in Bi₂O₃ and PbO concentrations. It is recognized that the mass attenuation coefficient value of Bi₂O₃ and PbO glass are slightly different. From this study, it can be concluded that from the non-toxicity and shielding point of view, the bismuth glass is a good shield to gamma radiation as compared to lead glass. (paper)