Physical, thermal properties, FTIR and Raman spectroscopies as well as γ-ray attenuation capacity of borate glasses doped with Mn2+ ions: Role of CaO/Al2O3 substitution

Calcium aluminium borate glasses (CABM glasses) doped with Mn2+ ions were prepared by the melt quenching process. XRD, physical, thermal features, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopic measurements were performed. Also, the radiation attenuation capacity was evaluated. The following conclusions are drawn from the present study. The amorphous state of CABM glasses was proved by XRD measurements. Density (ρ) of samples varied from 3.827 g/cm3 to 2.766 g/cm3. The refractive index increased as Al concentration increased. The glass transition temperature (Tg) decreased with the presence of aluminium oxide from 5 to 15 moles%. The structural elements BO3 and BO4 were located using the FTIR spectra. The bond vibrations of Ca2+, Mn-O, and Al were supported by their FTIR and Raman band assignments. It has been shown that the lengthening of the Al-O bond in AlO4 is connected with an increase in molar volume. Mass (MAC) attenuation coefficient confirmed the following trend: )CABM0(MAC > (CABM1(MAC > (CABM2(MAC > (CABM3(MAC > (CABM4(MAC. Half (HVL) value layer verified the following order: CABM0 < CABM1 < CABM2 < CABM3 < CABM4. Results concluded that the suggested CABM glasses can be applied for solid state devices and radiation attenuation applications. •New CaO-Al2O3-B2O3-MnO2 glasses were successfully synthesized.•Physical and XRD measurements were performed.•FTIR and Raman spectroscopies were investigated.•Radiation attenuation capacity was evaluated.•Suggested glasses are promising in Solid state devices and radiation shielding applications.