Gamma and Neutrons Shielding Properties of Mineral Doped Glasses

Abstract

In the present dissertation, borate glasses doped with elements of high cross section for both neutrons and gamma rays were prepared to be used as radiation shielding materials. The attenuation properties of gamma rays and neutrons based on measurements and calculations were performed. The data were analyzed and discussed in terms of current theories. The investigated glass system is xPbO – 10 ZnO – 10 Al2O3 – 10 Na2O – (70 - x) B2O3 (Where x=0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mol %) Firstly, chemically pure raw materials were used in a powder form, the powder batch were calculated and weighted by an electric balance with an accuracy of 0.001gm.Each batch was then grinded and mixed using a motor for 30 min to ensure the homogeneity. The powder was taken in porcelain crucible and melted in an electric furnace at 10000C for 4 hours. The melt was then annealed around a temperature of 400 ⁰C for two hours to remove the residual internal strain. Secondly, the experimental work includes the study ofradiation shielding, structural and optical properties of the prepared samples have been performed. The structural properties of the prepared samples were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), density, molar volume and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) of the samples were recorded in the range of 10≤2θ≤80 at room temperature in order to check the amorphous nature of the samples. The obtained results of XRD confirmed the amorphous nature of the studied samples. The density of the prepared samples was measured using Archimedes method and the molar volume was estimated. The density and molar volume data showed the formation of non-bridging oxygen at higher concentration of lead oxide. The glass structural units were carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in the spectral range of 4000 – 400 cm-1. Many groups of bonds such as BO3 and BO4 as well as the formation of Pb+2 and Al+3 were observed in the FTIR spectra.