Effect of self partial crystallization with heavy cation addition on radiation shielding properties

This study produced glass materials by adding La₂O₃ to Blast Furnace Slag in specific proportions. Partial crystallization was attempted to be achieved by a composition effect. A partial crystallization effect is provided by composition and Spinodal phase separation. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Raman analysis, and differential thermal analysis (DTA) tests were performed on the produced samples. An optical microscope was used to observe phase separation. Mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), mean free path (MFP), values of half-value layers (HVL), and tenth-value layers (TVL) measurements were made experimentally for radiation shielding properties. Experimental values were checked with theoretical calculations, and experimental/theoretical results were very close. LAC values were determined in the range of 0.1537–0.2607 cm⁻¹ depending on energy and composition. While the values decreased with photon energy, they increased with La₂O₃ addition. HVL values were measured as 2.6588–4.5109 cm depending on the energy and composition, these values increased with energy and decreased with La₂O₃ addition. Phase separation controlled partial crystallization effect was achieved by specific La₂O₃ addition. It was observed that the La₂O₃ effect improved shielding properties, and partial crystallization provided positive effects, especially in LAC values.