Raman Spectroscopy, Physical Parameters and γ-Ray Shielding Competence of Newly Lu³⁺ Ions Doped Borosilicate Glasses

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 (V_m) 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 (V_O) values enhanced from 10.95 to 11.55 cm³/mol. The average boron–boron separation ⟨d_B−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.