Structural, Optical, and Gamma Shielding Performance of Arsenic-Doped Borate Glasses

Authors

Shaimaa Hafez S. Hafez, Basic & Applied Sciences Department, Faculty of Energy & Environmental Engineering, The British University in Egypt. Cairo, Egypt.Follow
Elsayed Salama E. Salama, The British University in EgyptFollow
wesam omar, Egyptian Atomic Energy AuthorityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 10-13-2025

Abstract

Arsenic-doped borate glasses [xAs₂O₃ – (60−x)B₂O₃ – 20BaO – 20K₂O; x = 0–10 mol%] were synthesized by melt-quenching and investigated for structural, optical, and gamma shielding properties. XRD and FTIR confirmed amorphous networks with BO₃/BO₄ and AsO₄ units, while increasing As₂O₃ raised density (2.94–3.20 g/cm³) and reduced the optical band gap (3.32–1.49 eV). Gamma attenuation analysis showed improved shielding with higher As content, reflected in greater mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic numbers, and reduced HVL and MFP. Distinct EBF peaks near arsenic and barium K-edges confirmed enhanced low-energy photon interactions. Compared with concretes, the glasses exhibited superior shielding while retaining optical transparency, demonstrating their potential as multifunctional radiation-protective materials.

Recommended Citation

Hafez, Shaimaa S. Hafez; Salama, Elsayed E. Salama; and omar, wesam, "Structural, Optical, and Gamma Shielding Performance of Arsenic-Doped Borate Glasses" (2025). Basic Science Engineering. 191.
https://buescholar.bue.edu.eg/basic_sci_eng/191