Effect of Pb2+ substitution with Bi3+ on γ-ray shielding and mechanical properties of B2O3–PbO–BaO–ZnO–CaO–Bi2O3 glass

Developing glass materials that combine reliable mechanical properties with high competence in radiation protection is important. In this research, four glass samples with compositions 40 B 2 O 3 : (20 − x) PbO : 15 BaO : 10 CaO : 15 ZnO : x Bi 2 O 3 (x = 0, 5, 10, 20%) were prepared by melt quenching. An HPGe detector was used to determine γ-ray shielding parameters within the energies emitted from 241 Am, 137 Cs, 60 Co sources. At 0.060 MeV it was found that the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) increased from 16.106 cm -1 for the sample with zero % Bi 2 O 3 to 21.183 cm -1 for the sample with 20% Bi 2 O 3 . Additionally, a reduction in half-value length (HVL) was observed with increasing Bi 2 O 3 concentration within the glass matrix. These findings highlight the role of Bi 2 O 3 in augmenting the glass attenuation performance against γ-ray radiation. The improved γ-ray shielding efficiency was attributed to increased homogeneity of the glass matrix with higher Bi 2 O 3 content. Simulation and theoretical results closely matched experimental measurements, confirming the accuracy of the evaluation methods. Mechanical moduli were derived by the application of Makishima-Mackenzie’s theory. Mechanical tests indicated that the glass maintained acceptable mechanical properties despite Bi 2 O 3 substitution. While Bi 2 O 3 substitution significantly improved γ-ray shielding, mechanical tests confirmed that the glass maintained suitable structural properties for practical applications. • Linear attenuation coefficient increased with higher Bi 2 O 3 content. • Radiation shielding efficiency improved with increasing Bi 2 O 3 . • Geant4 simulations, Phy-X calculations, and experimental data were in strong agreement. • Mechanical properties slightly decreased with Bi 2 O 3 inclusion but remained acceptable.