Gamma-ray, Neutron and Beta Radiation Shielding Properties of Bi2O3-Li2O-MnO2-B2O3 Glasses

Abstract

Proper shielding from harmful ionizing radiations is a mandatory requirement in nuclear facilities owing to the harmful effects on radiation workers and general public in case of radiation exposure. The present work is aimed at the investigation of the shielding properties of the prepared glass system of chemical composition (83.5+x)Bi2O3-(0.6+x)Li2O-0.1MnO2-(15.8-2x)B2O3 (with x = 0, 0.7 and 1.4 wt.% coded as L5, L10 and L15 respectively), with respect to the Gamma-ray, Beta and fast neutron radiation. The Gamma-ray shielding property of the glass system was also compared with the most commonly used Barite concrete and commercially available shielding glass 'RS 253 G18'. Also, the neutron shielding properties was compared with common neutron shielding materials including Graphite, Boron Carbide and Polyethylene grains. An attempt was made in this study to select a better shielding material than the compared standard shielding materials. It is inferred that L15 glass sample is the best shield material for Gamma-rays, fast neutrons and also, for Beta radiation in the high energy region due to Bremsstrahlung, while in low energy region glass, L5 is better for Beta shielding.