Analysis of structural modifications in γ-irradiated PbO-B2O3-SiO2 glasses by FTIR spectroscopy

The effect of gamma-irradiation on the structure of lead borosilicate glasses of varying composition has been probed by FTIR spectroscopy, before and immediately after gamma-irradiation. The glasses were irradiated at Calliope Co-60 plant (RC ENEA Casaccia, Rome), and the spectra were recorded after absorbed doses of 50 Gy, 500 Gy, and 4 kGy. The structural analysis have been made considering both the effect of composition and of irradiation. The experimental results clearly indicate that after irradiation a significant change in structure of borosilicate glass network is observed. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.