The hazardous protective glass material for gamma, neutrons, and behaviors of charged particles: Results of adding barium oxide concentrations

• Published in: Radiation physics and chemistry (Oxford, England : 1993) England : 1993), 2024-10, Vol.223, p.111936, Article 111936
• Main Authors: Cheewasukhanont, W., Kothan, S., Mutuwong, C., Chaiphaksa, W., Nualpralaksana, S., Intachai, N., Kaewkhao, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: BaO glass; Compton scattering technique; PHITS; Radiation shielding glass materials
• ISSN: 0969-806X; 1879-0895
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2024.111936

The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of gamma and neutron shielding, as well as to investigate the behavior of charged particles in glass compositions with the formula xBaO:5SnO2:10Na2O:10CaO:10Li2O: (65-x)SiO2. These glass compositions will be created using the melt quenching technique (MQT). The findings indicated that the physical characteristics, such as density and molar volume, exhibited a comparable pattern. The gamma-ray shielding capacity of the glass system was assessed by comparing it with theoretical, simulation, and experimental values obtained using WinXCom, PHITS (Particle and Heavy Ion Transport Code System) Monte Carlo simulation, and Compton scattering technique (CST), respectively. The results revealed that the total attenuation (μm), effective atomic number (Zeff), and electron density (Nel) exhibited a consistent increase with higher BaO contents. Additionally, this increase led to a decrease in scattering energy within the Compton energy range. The half-value layer (HVL) exhibited superior shielding characteristics compared to alternative substances. Furthermore, the addition of more BaO atoms in the glass structure results in an increased ability of the material to stop the motion of charged particles with larger mass. Conversely, lower concentrations of BaO demonstrate an efficient barrier against fast neutrons. The simulation revealed that BaO can be utilized as an additive in glass materials to enhance their radiation shielding properties in environments with high levels of radiation. •Study of the gamma shielding properties and the behavior of charged particles and neutrons in the BaO glasses.•137Cs was used for radiation shielding properties investigation.•The experimental values of shielding properties are comparable to WinXCom and PHIST simulations.•Replacing of BaO in the host glass can enhance the shielding properties of the glass.