Effect of Sm2O3 on thermal, optical, mechanical, gamma and neutron shielding properties of zinc-boro-vanadate glasses

Abstract The effect of Sm2O3 on thermal, optical, mechanical, gamma and neutron shielding properties of newly prepared zinc borovanadate glasses has been investigated. Density is found increased and molar volume decreased with Sm2O3 content. The glass transition temperature (Tg), crystallization temperature (Tc) and the peak crystallization temperature (Tp) increased with increase of rare earth oxide content. These findings demonstrated an excellent glass-forming ability and thermal stability of the glasses. The optical properties have been explored through UV-Vis spectroscopy. The indirect optical band gap energy (Eopt) decreased from 2.978 to 2.679 eV, Urbach energy (∆E) increased from 0.273 to 0.299 eV and refractive index increased from 2.403 to 2.489 with increase in Sm2O3. Elastic moduli, Poisson's ratio, Hardness and fractal bond connectivity were computed theoretically as per Makishima Mackenzie model. It is found that these glasses have appreciable mechanical strength and rigidity. Phy-X/PSD software has been used to determine different radiation shielding characteristics for the energy range 0.015–15 MeV. The mass and linear attenuation coefficients are found higher, and half value layer, tenth value layer and mean free paths are found lower than many radiation shielding glasses quoted in the literature values. The obtained Zeq values varied from 15.828–29.118 for energy range from 0.015 to 15 MeV, which are greater than those reported for several commercial glasses, concretes and rocks. Due to the Compton scattering process, exposure build up and energy absorption factor are found to be highest in the medium energy region. The fast neutron removal cross-sections of the glasses are observed to be significantly high. For the first time, thermally stable and mechanically strong zinc borovanadate glasses mixed with Sm2O3 have been thoroughly investigated for various properties and concluded that these glasses are suitable for optoelectronics and γ-shielding applications.