Production, analysis, and assessment of gamma-ray shielding performance of Gd2O3-Doped ZnO–B2O3 glasses using MCNP6 simulations

Abstract

Advancing technology has expanded the use of ionizing radiation across various sectors, including medicine, energy, and defense. Given its potential risks to biological tissues, adhering to international radiation safety standards is crucial to safeguard workers' health and safety. In this study, innovative gamma radiation shielding glasses were developed using the composition (60-x)ZnO–30B₂O₃–10SiO₂-xGd₂O₃ (x = 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20), where x varied from 0 to 20 mol%. The process involves melting, followed by quenching and subsequent annealing. Various proportions of Gd₂O₃ were incorporated into the ZnO, B₂O₃, and SiO₂ matrix as a sustainable alternative to lead shielding to mitigate the environmental impact of lead's toxic properties. Structural analysis, including XRD, was performed to validate the amorphous structure of the prepared glasses and confirm the incorporation of all components in the compositions following the melting process. The radiation shielding properties of the prepared glasses, such as mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), radiation protection efficiency, half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), and mean free path (MFP), were assessed for gamma photons within the energy range of 0.356 MeV–1.33 MeV. The MAC values and HVL values of the glasses produced in this study are (0.075, 0.076, 0.077, 0.078, and 0.080) and (2.779, 2.549, 2.431, 2.203, and 1.883) respectively. Using Ba-133, Cs-137, and Co-60 point sources, measurements were conducted with NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors. The glasses' radiation response was examined through experimental and theoretical approaches. Furthermore, mass attenuation coefficients were validated against standard WinXCom data via MCNP6.2 simulations. Findings revealed that the glass containing 20% Gd₂O₃ exhibited the highest radiation shielding performance.