Effect of zinc oxide on elastic and structural properties of recycled window glass: A comparative study between before and after gamma irradiation

Abstract

A comparative study between before and after gamma irradiation on elastic and structural properties of recycled window glass (RWG) doped with various concentrations of ZnO was carried out. The glass samples were prepared by melt quenching method at 1250°C. Densities of the prepared glass were measured based on Archimedes' principle with n-hexane as immersion liquid. The glass samples were exposed to 1 kGy of gamma irradiation at room temperature. The effect of irradiation on the elastic and structural properties of the glass was evaluated by measuring the ultrasonic velocities before and after gamma irradiation. Moreover, FTIR spectra were also utilized to investigate the effects of irradiation on the glass structure. The results confirmed the formation non-bridging oxygen forming in the network structures of the glass after gamma irradiation, which also supported the change of elastic moduli.