Tailoring the FTIR, magnetic properties and neutron attenuation capacity of borosilicate glass: Role of Co3O4

For Co₃O₄-reinforced borosilicate glasses, the effects of Co₃O₄ on the physical, FTIR, magnetic, γ-ray accumulation factors, and fast neutron attenuation capability were assessed. The nominal composition created using the traditional melt quench process was 15SiO₂–20BaF₂–20Na₂O-(45-X)B₂O₃-XCo₃O₄, where X = 0.0 (Co-0.0) – 2.0 (Co-2.0) mol%. The Co-X samples amorphous condition as determined by XRD measurements. Specimen's density increased to 2.90 g/cm³ from 2.81 g/cm³. FTIR measurements verified that there was a conversion of [BO3] to [BO4] groups in the glass networks. As the Co₃O₄ concentration increased in the glass networks, the saturation magnetization decreased, while the coercivity increased. As photon energy rose, exposure and energy absorption accumulation factors got better. The glass sample designated as Co-2.0 demonstrated the lowest values of both relaxation length (λ_FNRCS) and half value layer (HVL_FNRCS). The sample with code Co-2.0 has the best defense against radiation from γ-ray/fast neutrons. The findings verify that the Co-X glasses under investigation are suitable materials for applications involving magnetic and γ-ray/neutron shielding.