Investigation of the effect of bismuth-oxide on the X-ray and neutron shielding efficacy of the new ceramic system Bi2O3–BaO–Fe2O3–SrO–B2O3

Abstract

X-rays and neutrons, vital in numerous industries, necessitate effective shielding to mitigate health
risks. Traditional shielding materials like lead and concrete pose issues such as toxicity and
structural limitations. This has driven global research towards exploring non-toxic heavy metal
oxide glass materials for enhanced radiation protection. This study examined the impact of Bi2O3
on the radiation shielding efficiency of a glass composition (x)Bi2O3 – (20 – x)BaO – 60Fe2O3
– 0.3SrO – 19.7B2O3, with x values of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mol%, over the 15 to 300 keV X-ray
range. The Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC) of this glass series increased by 12%, 1.7%,
and 13% in the energy ranges of 15−30 keV, 40−80 keV, and 100−300 keV, respectively, per 1
mol% Bi2O3 increase. The Half Value Layer (HVT), Tenth Value Layer (TVT), and Mean Free
Path (MFP) decrease by 4% per mol% of Bi2O3 at energies less than 40 keV and above 100 keV,
while decreasing at a rate of 1% in the 40−100 keV region. Sample S1, without Bi2O3, exhibited
the lowest shielding efficiency, while sample S5, with the highest Bi2O3 content, demonstrated the
highest shielding efficiency. Increasing Bi2O3 concentration notably improves X-ray shielding
efficacy, especially below 40 keV and above 100 keV.