Investigation of structural, ultrasonic, and radiation shielding properties of PbO-B2O3 glasses reinforced MnO2

Glass composition systems of (65-x) B2O3+15 PbO +15 Na2O+ 5 Al2O3+ x MnO2, where x = 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mol% were organized by the usual melting-annealing process. Electron spin resonance (ESR) displayed broad hyperfine before and after exposing glasses to 25 kGy of gamma radiation, while sharp ESR signals at magnetic field range 3200–3500 Gauss were detected after irradiating glasses with 50 kGy. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy displayed the high structural stability of the glasses towards 25 kGy of gamma radiation, signifying the central building units of various borate groups at the same intensities and positions. Different ultrasonic characteristics such as ultrasonic velocities, elastic properties, Poisson’s ratio, Lamé constants, acoustic impedance, and ultrasonic attenuation coefficient didn’t variate greatly with gamma radiation exposure to 25 kGy. Comparing results showed that 0.5 % MnO2 glass has the most stable structure against gamma irradiation, the lowest ultrasonic velocity and wave passage, and the highest attenuation of waves, ensuring the high ability of the prepared glasses to inhibit the echoes. Experimental shielding parameters such as mass (MAC) and linear attenuation coefficients (LAC), half value layer (HVL) and tenth value layer (TVL) were measured for gamma rays and removal cross section area was measured for neutrons. Theoretical studies by WinXcom program revealed satisfactory settlement, with the experimental examinations displaying a high efficiency of the glasses to shield gamma rays especially the glass with 0.5 % MnO2, which has the highest attenuation and the lowest HVL and TVL. Therefore, the high efficiency of the glasses to be used as radiation shielding applicants in radiation institutes before 50 kGy, i.e. as storage containers for radioactive wastes in nuclear medicine. •MnO2-PbO-B2O3 glasses display superior structural and ultrasonic properties.•The glasses revealed diffuse resonance/ ESR-silent structures against the dose of 25 kGy.•FTIR and Raman spectra show no significant variations in locations or intensities and Raman deconvolution revealed highly covalent bonding by PbO4 structural units.•Ultrasonic velocities, elastic moduli, Lame' constants and acoustic impedance showed direct relation with MnO2 addition.•0.5 % MnO2 glass showed the highest LAC and MAC and the least TVL and HVL for gamma but lower shielding for neutrons.