Development and characterization of new generation lead-free radiation shielding glass material

In this research, the increase in the amount of radiation exposure as a result of the development of technology, radiation shielding material with an original prescription is aimed to investigate and produce glass gadolinium-bizmut-borosilicate (GBBS) systems. Related samples were synthesized by conventional melting method at temperatures between 1325 and 1375 degrees. While the unadulterated GBBS0 sample had a clear appearance, a shift in the color centers was observed in other samples with Bi2O3 and Gd2O3 additions. In terms of physical properties, GBBS0 sample had a density value of 3.3125 g/cm3, while GBBS1 and GBBS4 with increasing Bi2O3 and Gd2O3 content ratios were observed. The density values of the samples were determined as 3.5951, 3.8903, 3.9116 and 3.8613 g/cm3 respectively. It has been determined that all glass series have amorphous structure. Considering the optical properties, GBBS0 sample has the lowest absorption while GBBS2 sample stands out with its highest absorption ability. When the radiation shielding findings of the glass series at 662, 1173, 1332 keV photon energies were examined, GBBS2 sample showed the best damping ability (LAC) at 662 keV photon energy, while GBBS4 sample showed the best damping at 1173 and 1332 keV photon energy levels. On the other hand, there was a decrease in LAC values for all samples due to the apparent increase in the determined energy levels. Finally, the HVL thickness values varied between 2.090 and 2.507 cm at the 662 keV photon energy level, while the HVL values varied between 2.850 and 3.241; 3.165 and 3.692 cm at the 1173 and 1332 keV photon energies. Among all glass series, GBBS0 sample has the lowest RPE value, while GBBS2 sample has the highest value. As a result of all experimental and theoretical calculations, it has been revealed in this thesis that GBBS2 sample provides the most ideal lead-free radiation shielding glass material requirements.