Experimental assessment of gamma-ray attenuation features of BaO-CaO-enriched borate glasses as lead-free radiation shielding materials

This study focused on the development and systematic analysis of the use of BaO-CaO enriched (lead-free) gamma-ray shielding using four formulations (each with different amounts of BaO and CaO), which have been fabricated by the melt-quenching technique. The different Ba12Ca7 to Ba18Ca16 compositions of each of the four formulations were determined by XRD analysis to be completely amorphous and gamma-ray attenuation properties have been measured, experimentally, over a wide range of photon energy levels (122-1333 keV). The mass attenuation coefficient (GMAC) was determined by experimentation, and the findings that were acquired were then compared to the simulated data that was generated using XCOM for the identical substances. There is a statistically significant link between the experimental findings and the XCOM data, with the relative difference falling anywhere between 0.18 and 2.29%. While the findings for the GMAC varied from 0.0513 to 0.4924 cm2/g for rom 0.3863 to 0.4933 for Ba12Ca7 and Ba18Ca16 samples at 122 keV, respectively. For Ba18Ca16 glass samples, the values of half value layer (GHVL) are 3.2, 3.2, 3.0, 2.9 cm for Ba12Ca7, Ba14Ca10, Ba16Ca13, and Ba18Ca16 glasses, respectively. According to the findings that were obtained, the Ba18Ca16 sample has outstanding radiation shielding characteristics that make it a candidate for the category of radiation shielding material.

Journal

NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Year

2026

Volume

58

Issue

7

ISSN

1738-5733

DOI

10.1016/j.net.2026.104251

WoS UID

WOS:001731097100001