Customization of silver(I) oxide incorporation ratio to enhance radiation attenuation properties in chalcogenide oxide reinforced glass-ceramics

In this study, we explored the gamma-ray shielding properties of As₂O₃ glass ceramics, which were doped with varying concentrations of Ag₂O within chalcogenide oxides (SeO₂ and TeO₂). Utilizing the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) code for simulations, alongside the Phy-X/PSD software for theoretical validation, we aimed to understand the influence of Ag₂O integration on the attenuation characteristics of these glass systems. Among the five glass compositions analyzed, ATSAg0.50, containing 0.50 mol% Ag₂O, stood out due to its superior density and attenuation coefficients, suggesting enhanced shielding capabilities. Our methodology encompassed detailed assessments of linear and mass attenuation coefficients, alongside parameters like the half-value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), and transmission factors (TFs), across a wide photon energy spectrum. Notably, ATSAg0.50 exhibited the lowest TFs and shortest MFP, indicating its potential as an efficient shield against gamma radiation. Furthermore, its high linear attenuation coefficients across all energies emphasize the pivotal role of material composition and density in effective radiation protection. It can be concluded that ATSAg0.50 emerges as a promising candidate for gamma-ray shielding applications, balancing material efficiency with performance.