Improvement of BaO:B2O3:Fly ash glasses: Radiation shielding, physical and optical properties

Rice husk ash glass (RHA-glass) of composition xBaO:(80 − x)B2O3:20RHA where x = 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 wt.% have been prepared using melt-quenching method and investigated on their optical, physical and gamma-rays shielding properties. The densities of these glass samples were increased with increasing of BaO content, due to higher molecular weight of BaO comparing with B2O3. The molar volume of these glasses was increased with increasing content of BaO; BaO acts as modifier to increase the loose packing. The visible light transmission of RHA glass was better than SiO2 glass prepared in same formula and preparing condition. The experimental values of gamma ray shielding properties such as; mass attenuation coefficients, atomic cross sections and effective atomic numbers, were found in good agreement with the theoretical values as calculated from WinXCom. Moreover the glass system at all BaO concentrations, exhibited the better half values layer in comparison window and ordinary concrete.

► BaO:B2O3:Fly ash glasses have been improved in radiation Shielding, physical and optical properties.
► The visible light transmission of RHA glass was better than SiO2.
► At all BaO concentrations, exhibited the better half values layer in comparison window and ordinary concrete.