Study of physical, optical properties and gamma radiation shielding efficiency of 0.5Bi2O3-(0.5-x)WO3-xPbO glasses

This paper presents the results of a study of the properties of a series of 0.5Bi2O3-(0.5-x)WO3-xPbO glasses obtained by sintering. Using the X-ray diffraction method, an amorphous glass structure is installed. Analysis of structural and optical characteristics showed that an increase in PbO concentration leads to an increase in density, as well as a decrease in the metallization criterion. It was found that an increase in PbO leads to a decrease in the band gap and an increase in the linear refractive index, a change in which indicates a change in the degree of structural disorder caused by impurities or electron traps. During experiments to determine the gamma-ray shielding efficiency, it was found that the best shielding efficiency is possessed by 0.5Bi2O30.125WO3-0.375PbO glasses, for which the mass attenuation coefficient is 3.6 times higher than that for 0.5Bi2O3-0.5WO3 glasses. The results obtained are in good agreement with the literature data for similar structures, and the proposed method of obtaining can be used in the future for the technological process of industrial production of radiation-protective materials.

Automated summary

This study investigated the properties of Bi2O3 glasses containing tungsten and lead obtained by sintering, finding that an increase in PbO concentration leads to higher density, lower metallization, a smaller band gap, and higher refractive index. Experimental results showed that glasses with 0.125WO3-0.375PbO have the best shielding efficiency for gamma rays.