Evaluation of the nuclear shielding, mechanical, and structural characteristics of Sb2O3-Doped B2O3-MoO3-CuO glass systems

This study explores the impact of Sb2O3 incorporation on the nuclear shielding, mechanical, and structural properties of B2O3-MoO3-CuO (BMC) glass systems. We utilized a number of characterisation techniques, including FTIR, UV–vis spectroscopy, EPR, XPS, and XRD, to investigate the structural features of the glass samples. The EPR spectra of Cu2+ and Mo5+ ions revealed the EPR lines, and the distinctive g values were determined. XPS, FTIR, EPR, and optical absorption spectra were analysed to assess the effects of increasing Sb2O3 content on the electronic and structural characteristics of the glass systems. Within the energy range of 59.541–383.85 keV, half-value layer (HVL), effective atomic numbers (Zeff), the linear and mass attenuation coefficients (LAC and MAC) and mean free path (MFP) of the glass systems were measured experimentally. In addition, theoretical calculations were conducted for radiation shielding properties. The 241Am-Be fast neutron source was used to calculate equivalent dose rates. Theoretical research was performed on the removal cross-sectional area fast neutron. The projected range and mass stopping power of protons and alpha particles in the glass samples were determined through computational analysis. Better radiation and neutron shielding characteristics were seen in glasses with a composition of B2O3-MoO3-CuO and greater amounts of Sb2O3. The addition of 3 mol % Sb2O3 resulted in an approximately 60 % improvement in the mass attenuation coefficient at low photon energy.