Scientists have improved the composition of radiation-protective glasses

Scientists have improved the radiation-protective properties of glasses, in particular, borate glasses (based on boron oxide). To do this, they introduced special additives into the basic composition of glass - oxides of heavy metals. This significantly increased the density of the material without affecting its transparency. Now such glasses can be used in protective chambers when working with radioactive materials. The scientific group included specialists from the Ural Federal University (UrFU).

Borate glasses are used in ionizing radiation scintillation detectors (devices in nuclear physics that are used to detect gamma radiation and study the radiation spectra of radionuclides) and for radiation protection. Boron oxide glass is a sustainable alternative to lead glass. Their disadvantage is their low density, and this is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of radiation protection. The introduction of cadmium oxide into the composition of the glass helped to significantly increase the density. The new samples proved to be suitable for use in chambers that protect against gamma radiation.

“The ability of a shielding material to attenuate transmitted gamma or X-ray radiation increases with an increase in the concentration of cadmium in the glass composition. The fabricated samples showed good results as a radiation-protective material in the regions of low and medium energies of gamma radiation. To confirm the reliability of the results, we determined their protective properties using three methods, including the generally recognized Monte Carlo method - computer simulation of the processes of transfer of various types of radiation (neutrons, gamma rays, electrons, positrons). The simulation results showed good agreement with the data of experimental determination of glass attenuation coefficients in relation to the gamma radiation of cesium-137 and cobalt-60 isotopes,” says Oleg Tashlykov, Associate Professor of the Department of Nuclear Power Plants and Renewable Energy Sources of Ural Federal University.

A high level of transparency is another important condition for the creation of protective glasses, since such glasses are used in various fields, from nuclear research laboratories to x-ray rooms in hospitals, as well as in so-called hot cells, where highly radioactive products are manipulated remotely. They should protect people from radiation, making it possible to control the necessary equipment and perform any actions at a distance.

Scientists have been selecting the optimal composition of lead-free glasses for many years. The main criteria for this are environmental friendliness and lightness (a minimum of lead), high levels of radiation protection, and transparency. Previously, researchers have shown that partial replacement of lead with bismuth compounds leads to a significant improvement in the protective characteristics of glass. Now scientists are testing three more options for glass compositions with various additives (oxides of barium, zinc, tungsten, etc.). This is necessary in order to find the optimal material composition with good barrier properties, high levels of transparency and cost-effective production.

The description of the experiments and the results of the study are presented in the journal Progress in Nuclear Energy.

Source: Russian Ministry of Education and Science