Abstract
The impact of varying Sm2O3 content on radiation shielding properties of 15PbF2: (65-x) B2O3: 20K2O:xSm2O3 (where 0 < x < 1.5 mol %) glass samples, was investigated by studying their physical, radio-luminescence and X-ray-shielding characteristics. The density of glasses increased with an increase in Sm2O3 contents. Evaluating the X-ray shielding parameters like mass and linear attenuation coefficients, half-and tenth-value layer, lead equivalent thickness and mean free path, it was found that the linear and mass attenuation coefficients decrease with a rise in Sm3+ concentration in the 70-120-kVp-energy range. The half-and tenth-value layers of the developed glasses increase with increasing energy and vary randomly with changing Sm2O3 contents. Comparing the determined HVL data with that of the concrete, red brick, commercial window, and X-ray window at 120 keV, it is found that the developed glass performs better shielding. The obtained results revealed that this glass has excellent potential and could be used as a radiation-shielding material in various applications.