Fe2O3−modified Na2B4O7-SiO2CaO glasses: Synergistic effects on gamma-ray attenuation and mechanical performance

Abstract

In this article, the fabrication of Na₂B₄O₇-SiO₂CaO-Fe₂O₃ glasses were investigated to conclude the effectively of CaO replacement by Fe₂O₃. The density demonstrations rise from 2.37 for BSFe-0 to 3.43 for BSFe-2 whereas, the molar volume decreases from 69.80 for BSFe-0 to 48.83 for BSFe-2, with the higher Fe₂O₃ content. The longitudinal ($V_L$m/s) and shear ($V_T$) velocity values of BSFe glass samples are increased. The $V_L$, increments progressively from 4507 for BSFe-0 to 5074 for BSFe-2. Likewise, the $V_T$, increments from 2211 for BSFe-0 to 2597 for BSFe-2. The increment in elastic moduli with the addition of Fe₂O₃, making the BSFe glasses more resistant to stress. Likewise, the theoretical results support well with experimental values, establishing the reliability of the observations. The trend in MAC values for BSFe glasses follows the order: BSFe-2 > BSFe-1.5 > BSFe-1 > BSFe-0.5 > BSFe-0. Among the glass samples, BSFe-2 establishes superior shielding ability. BSFe-2′s excellent performance makes it an effective option for applications requiring high radiation shielding efficiency, such as medical, industrial, or nuclear fields.