Influence of doping transition metals and irradiation on some physical properties of borate glass

The optical absorption, FTIR and EPR spectra as well as the absorption dispersion parameters such as optical energy gap and urbach energy were studied. A series of 0.7% transition metal oxides (Ti, V, Cr, Fe) doped 70% B2O3-30% Bi2O3 glasses were prepared using conventional melting process. The valence states of TM ions and their coordination in the glass network have been investigated. FTIR spectra show that a gradual conversion of BO4 tetrahedral units into BO3 trigonal units in the glass network after irradiation (50 kGy) leading to the formation of non-bridging oxygen's. The optical absorption and EPR studies suggest that, the TM-ions exist in the octahedral state and act as modifiers by increasing the degree of disorder in the glass network. Also, there is no remarkable change in the signal after irradiation which strongly recommended these glasses to be used as gamma radiation shielding.