Radiation effects of B depletion and the generation of point defects in ternary borosilicate glasses by gamma rays

Borosilicate glass is one of the base materials which can solidify high-level radioactive waste. Therefore, its resistance to radiation attracted extensive attention. The borosilicate glass samples with different compositions were irradiated with gamma rays at ambient temperature. The interaction between the gamma rays and the glass network was discussed. The radiation effects were analyzed with nano-indentation, photoluminescence, Raman, Infrared, Ultraviolet and visible absorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The results indicate point defects such as non-bridging oxygen hole center (NBOHC) and peroxy radical were produced in glasses after irradiation. The depletions of sodium and boron in the surface of glasses were identified, which led to a decrease in hardness. The Urbach energies increased with the absorbed dose. A new analyzing method, the noise of Raman spectrum, was deduced to analyze the glass disorder. The noise and Urbach energy depended on the concentration of NBOHC, which is led by gamma radiation.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effects of gamma radiation on the network of borosilicate glass and reveals the production of point defects and the loss of surface elements in the glass after irradiation.