Influence of BaO/ZnCl2 content on gamma transmission properties of the optical TeO2-based glass system

Tellurite glasses possess attributes that make them attractive for potential radiation shielding uses. are Gamma radiation shielding quantities for three 70TeO2-(30-x)BaO-xZnCl2 glass samples (x = 5 (TBZC-A, 15 (TBZC-B), and 25 (TBZC-C) mol.%) were estimated and presented in this report. The mass attenuation coefficient MAC and buildup factors were estimated theoretically using XCOM and geometric progression fitting methods respectively for photon energies 15 keV < E < 15 MeV. The MAC vary within the limits 0.03374 -45.20520 cm2/g for TBZC-A, 0.03321-44.30207 cm2/g for TBZC-B and 0.03267-43.37889 cm2/g for TBZC-C. Also, the mass energy absorption coefficients of the glasses ranged from 0.02021 to 42.32862, 0.02021-40.83892 0.02020-39.31615 cm2/g for TBZC-A, TBZC-B, and TBZC-C respectively. The effective atomic number of the glasses fluctuates within 25.01-52.03, 24.06-50.70 and 23.17-49.09 for TBZC-A, TBZC-B and TBZC-C, respectively. Analysis of sundry shielding and dosimetric parameters indicated higher photon intensity and energy absorption in BaO rich glasses compared to ZnCl2 rich glasses. The present glasses are relatively better than some existing glass shields thus making them potentially useful in gamma radiation absorption roles in gamma radiation based systems/facilities.

Automated summary

This study investigated the radiation shielding properties of tellurite glasses. The mass attenuation coefficient, mass energy absorption coefficient, and effective atomic number were theoretically calculated for different compositions of glass. The results showed that glasses rich in BaO had higher absorption capabilities, making them potentially useful for gamma radiation absorption in systems and facilities.