Influence of samarium oxide on structural, ultrasonic, and shielding characteristics of zinc lead phosphate glasses

Abstract

This study investigated the structural, elastic, and shielding properties of a series of (100-x)[9.58ZnO-24.47PbO-65.95P₂O₅]-xSm₂O₃ glasses (with x = 0, 0.45, 0.89, 1.32, and 2.61 mol%). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and density measurements were used for structural characterization. Ultrasonic velocities, measured via the pulse echo technique at 4 MHz and ambient temperature, allowed for the calculation of elastic moduli, Poisson's ratio, Debye temperature, and microhardness. The research analyzed how varying concentrations of Sm₂O₃ influenced the structural and elastic behavior of these glasses. Bond compression and Makishima-Mackenzie models were applied to quantitatively analyze the experimental data and gain structural insights. The mass attenuation coefficient showed maximum and minimum values at 15 keV and 6 MeV, respectively, across all glass compositions. The linear attenuation coefficient increased with increasing Sm₂O₃ content. The half-value layer of all glasses was less than that of ordinary concrete and RS-360 reference shielding materials, indicating enhanced photon absorption and potential as more efficient radiation shielding materials.