Gamma-ray shielding and structural properties of barium–bismuth–borosilicate glasses

The attenuation coefficients of barium–bismuth–borosilicate glasses have been measured for gamma-ray photon energies of 662, 1173 and 1332 keV using a narrow beam transmission geometry. These coefficients were then used to obtain the values of mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic number, effective electron density and mean free path. Good agreement has been observed between experimental and theoretical values of these parameters. From the obtained results it is reported here that from the barium–bismuth–borosilicate glasses are better shields to gamma-radiations in comparison to the standard radiation shielding concretes from the shielding point of view. The molar volume, FTIR and acoustic investigations have been used to study the structural properties of the prepared glass system. The obtained results reveal that the formation of non-bridging oxygens occurs at higher concentration of Bi2O3.

► Glass samples are potential for γ-ray shielding when compared to concrete. ► A broken structure due to the addition of Bi2O3 can be checked by ultrasonic. ► FTIR results support the structural change by addition of Bi2O3 content.