Mechanical and, photon transmission properties of rare earth element (REE) doped BaO–B2O3–Li2O–Al2O3–P2O5 glasses for protection applications

This study explores the dual functional capabilities of rare earth (REE) doped BaO–B₂O₃–Li₂O–Al₂O₃–P₂O₅ glasses, with an emphasis on the 1.50Dy-Tb-Eu composition, previously recognized for its superior luminescent properties. By employing Monte Carlo simulations and Phy-X/PSD software, we have methodically evaluated the gamma-ray and neutron shielding efficacies of these materials. Our key findings indicate that the 1.50Dy-Tb-Eu sample not only excels in luminescence but also demonstrates superior gamma-ray shielding, characterized by low exposure buildup factors, and other related properties across varying energy spectra. Furthermore, the Tb-Eu3.0 variant, enriched with the highest Europium (Eu) content among the bi-REE doped glasses, exhibited the most effective neutron attenuation. Additionally, our investigation into the mechanical properties of these glasses, through the estimation of their Elastic Moduli using a mixture rule approach, revealed a significant enhancement in stiffness with the incorporation of Dy, Eu, and Tb. The mechanical properties were evaluated using a mixture rule approach to estimate the Elastic Moduli. This highlights the crucial role of these dopants in not only improving the luminescent and radiation shielding capabilities but also in strengthening the mechanical integrity of the glasses. The study substantiates the premise that the integration of specific REE elements significantly enhances the glass materials' shielding properties without compromising their luminescent functionality. The obtained findings would be significant for implications on the development of advanced materials tailored for industries where high optical quality, effective radiation protection, and robust mechanical properties are paramount. It can be concluded that Dy-Tb-Eu incorporation into BaO–B₂O₃–Li₂O–Al₂O₃–P₂O₅ glasses can be considered as a monotonic strategy to achieve a harmonious balance between luminescence, radiation shielding, and mechanical performance.