Comprehensive analysis of structure–property–shielding relationships in Pr2O3-modified tellurite glass systems

Abstract

This work investigated the structural, thermal, mechanical, and shielding characteristics of a tellurite-based glass series with the composition 60TeO2–12.5Nb2O5–12.5ZnO–(15–x)LiF–xPr2O3, where x ranged from 0.5 to 5.0 mol%. The novelty of this study lay in a comprehensive analysis that combined multiple techniques. The research involved using the radial distribution function (RDF) with Gaussian fitting to determine structural parameters and the fraction of trigonal bipyramidal (TeO4), N4(X-ray) representation for each glass sample. The study also utilized deconvoluted FTIR spectra to further characterize the glass structure. Results showed the transformation of trigonal pyramidal (TeO3) tp units to trigonal bipyramidal (TeO4) tbp units and consequently enhanced the rigidity of the glass structure with addition of Pr2O3. Additionally, it established a logarithmic correlation across the entire glass series, linking the molar volume (Vm) with the experimental bulk modulus (Kexp​),, and explored the correlations between these properties and the power (α). The ring deformation model was applied to calculate the average atomic ring diameter. Increased Pr2​O3​ content enhanced the glass’s thermal stability. This was evidenced by a significant rise in its glass transition temperature and onset crystallization temperature, indicating a more rigid and stable structure. In addition, various shielding parameters were determined. The results of this investigation highlight the excellent gamma photon shielding capabilities of these glasses.