Impact of the La₂O₃ Addition on the Structure, Mechanical and Radiation Attenuation Features of La₂O₃–ZnO–SiO₂–B₂O₃ Glass

Five glass samples with the following chemical formation: 21.5 SiO₂-58.5B₂O₃-(20-x) ZnO- xLa₂O₃, where x = 0–10 mol% were fabricated utilizing melt quenching. With an increase in La₂O₃, the glasses' density increased from 3.174 to 4.754 g/cm³. Experimental data were used to evaluate the mechanical characteristics, and the Makishima and Mackenzie model's semi-empirical methods were used to analyze the elastic properties. As the amount of La₂O₃ increases, there's a noticeable rise in the velocity of ultrasonic waves. This heightened velocity is likely linked to the strengthening or increased rigidity of the glass network. Elastic moduli values of the glasses under investigation increase with an increase La₂O₃ content. Employing Phy-X/PSD code, the radiation attenuation behaviour of zinc borosilicate glasses with varying La₂O₃ concentrations were examined. With increased energy, the enhancement LAC decreases from 2.576 to 0.0375. The ZBSL₁₀ glasses demonstrated strong mechanical and physical characteristics as well as radiation shielding capabilities. The features of the ZBSL glasses are particularly attractive for a variety of mechanical and shielding applications.