In current work, (75–1.5x) Li2O-(25+0.5x) B2O3-x Bi2O3 glass system, (x = 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 mol %) was investigated for neutron and gamma radiation shielding applications. Mass attenuation coefficients (µ/ρ) of the samples over photon energies from 0.020 up to 1.524 MeV have been derived from WinXCOM, FLUKA, Geant4, and PHITS softwares. Half-value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) of 50 Bi2O3-50 B2O3 glass sample have been compared to SCHOTT AG commercial glass shields. Elastic properties are determined using Mackenzie-Makishima (M-M) and bond compression (BC) models. The exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) of the samples as a function of photon energies for multiple penetration depths: 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 & 40 mfps were determined using the geometric progression (G-P) fitting method. Effective atomic number (Zeff), effective electron density (Neff), and linear attenuation coefficient (µ) values over photon energies 0.020 ‒ 1.524 MeV span were derived from µ/ρ values. Total thermal neutron attenuation (σT) and fast neutron removal cross-sections (ΣR) of the samples have been calculated based on the cross-sections of their constituent oxides. The neutron shielding percentages at different sample thicknesses were calculated based on σT and ΣR. Ionic character factor and covalent character factor of the glasses were estimated based on the Pauling electronegativity of their component oxides. µ/ρ, µ, EABF, EBF, Zeff and Neff have been enhanced or reduced by the absorption edges of Bi, photoelectric absorption, Compton scattering, and pair production. Li2O-Bi2O3-B2O3 glass system shows greater thermal neutron radiation shielding (σT = 12.3649 cm−1 − 13.4853 cm−1) than concrete. 50B2O3-50Bi2O3 displays superior gamma and fast neutron shielding capability (∑R = 0.12174 cm−1) compared to other glass systems and concrete. Increments in boron and bismuth oxide concentrations reduce elastic moduli e.g. Ybc: 113.0526 GPa − 85.5033 GPa. Poisson ratios (0.2552–0.2800) indicate low structural connectivity.

Mechanical traits and gamma and neutron radiation attenuation aspects of lithium bismuth borate glasses

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发表日期：

2025年12月23日

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André McGlashan,
G. Lakshminarayana,
M. G. Dong,
M. S. Al-Buriahi,
P. Venkateswara Rao

摘要

In current work, (75–1.5x) Li₂O-(25+0.5x) B₂O₃-x Bi₂O₃ glass system, (x = 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 mol %) was investigated for neutron and gamma radiation shielding applications. Mass attenuation coefficients (µ/ρ) of the samples over photon energies from 0.020 up to 1.524 MeV have been derived from WinXCOM, FLUKA, Geant4, and PHITS softwares. Half-value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) of 50 Bi₂O₃-50 B₂O₃ glass sample have been compared to SCHOTT AG commercial glass shields. Elastic properties are determined using Mackenzie-Makishima (M-M) and bond compression (BC) models. The exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) of the samples as a function of photon energies for multiple penetration depths: 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 & 40 mfps were determined using the geometric progression (G-P) fitting method. Effective atomic number (Z_eff), effective electron density (N_eff), and linear attenuation coefficient (µ) values over photon energies 0.020 ‒ 1.524 MeV span were derived from µ/ρ values. Total thermal neutron attenuation (σ_T) and fast neutron removal cross-sections (Σ_R) of the samples have been calculated based on the cross-sections of their constituent oxides. The neutron shielding percentages at different sample thicknesses were calculated based on σ_T and Σ_R. Ionic character factor and covalent character factor of the glasses were estimated based on the Pauling electronegativity of their component oxides. µ/ρ, µ, EABF, EBF, Z_eff and N_eff have been enhanced or reduced by the absorption edges of Bi, photoelectric absorption, Compton scattering, and pair production. Li₂O-Bi₂O₃-B₂O₃ glass system shows greater thermal neutron radiation shielding (σ_T = 12.3649 cm⁻¹ − 13.4853 cm⁻¹) than concrete. 50B₂O₃-50Bi₂O₃ displays superior gamma and fast neutron shielding capability (∑_R = 0.12174 cm⁻¹) compared to other glass systems and concrete. Increments in boron and bismuth oxide concentrations reduce elastic moduli e.g. Y_bc: 113.0526 GPa − 85.5033 GPa. Poisson ratios (0.2552–0.2800) indicate low structural connectivity.