Structural, thermal, and radiation shielding properties of B2O3-TeO2-Bi2O3-CdO-Tm2O3 glasses: The role of Tm2O3

This study presents a detailed investigation into the structural, thermal, and radiation shielding properties of a new glass composition, labeled as (50-x)B2O3 + 30TeO2 + 10Bi2O3 + 10CdO + x Tm2O3 (where x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mol %). Various radiation shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient, linear attenuation coefficient, half-value layer, mean free path, effective atomic number, and absorbed equivalent dose rates for neutrons were determined through experimental measurements. The study also employed theoretical calculations to assess the exposure buildup factor and effective removal cross-section for neutrons. Additionally, the SRIM program was utilized to investigate mass stopping power and projected range for proton and alpha particles. The structural characteristics of the glasses were analyzed using XRD and FT-IR, while thermal properties were examined through Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). FTIR analysis revealed distinctive bands corresponding to Bi—O, B—O—B, and Te—O bonds. Glass transition temperatures (Tg) increased with Tm2O3 content, ranging from 422 °C to 444 °C. The radiation shielding properties of bismuth boro-tellurite glasses showed that a dose of 1.2025 μSv/h emitted from a fast neutron source was absorbed by 35.1574 % in pure glass and 40.0391 % in glass doped with 5 mol% Tm2O3. Incorporating Tm2O3 into the glass matrix significantly improved the shielding and thermal properties, thus enhancing their potential for advanced high-energy radiation absorption. This investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of how Tm2O3 enhances the structural and thermal attributes of these glasses, positioning them as promising materials for radiation shielding applications.