Physical, optical, mechanical and gamma ray shielding properties of Al₂O₃–PbO–B₂O₃–SiO₂ glasses

This study investigates the effects of increasing PbO concentration on the Al₂O₃–PbO–B₂O₃–SiO₂ glasses' physical, mechanical and gamma ray shielding properties. PbO addition leads to higher density and molar mass, making the glass denser. However, molar volume decreases, indicating a more compact structure. Interatomic distances and ion concentration change, strengthening atomic interactions. Oxygen molar volume increases, but packing density drops with more PbO, impacting the glass lattice. Optical basicity rises, suggesting improved electron transport and optical behavior. Electronegativity decreases, and electronic polarizability increases with higher PbO content, rendering the glass more electron-donating and sensitive to external electric fields.This study investigates glass mechanical properties using the Makishima–Mackenzie model. As PbO concentration rises, elastic moduli consistently decrease, signifying increased flexibility in glass structures. The mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) of the chosen glasses were evaluated in the 0.284–1.333 MeV energy range. It was found that increased PbO content leads to a corresponding MAC enhancement. The MAC values at 0.284 MeV were 0.297 and 0.349 cm²/g, while at 0.511 MeV they varied between 0.124 and 0.135 cm²/g. It was found that Glass Pb47.5 sample, which contains a higher amount of PbO compared to the other glasses, had the highest MAC at all energies. The results showed that the PbO has a notable impact on the MAC and thus on the radiation attenuation performance at lower energy. Moreover, increased glass density led to a corresponding LAC increase, which at 0.284 MeV increased from 1.269 cm⁻¹ for Pb32.5 to 1.898 cm⁻¹ for Pb47.5. According to the LAC results, one simple means of enhancing the glasses' radiation shielding properties is utilizing a high PbO percentage. This paper aims to illuminate silicate glasses' radiation shielding abilities. The paper will investigate the efficiency under specific conditions, like high-energy radiation. Moreover, it will explore innovative methods to enhance their shielding competence, concreting the way for a better yet effective radiation shielding approach.