Synthesis and experimental characterization on fast neutron and gamma-ray attenuation properties of high-dense and transparent Cadmium oxide (CdO) glasses for shielding purposes

We present synthesis and thorough characterization phases of newly developed 20P2O5·30TeO2.(50-x)ZnO.xCdO (x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 mol%) glasses. Experimental gamma-ray and neutron transmission systems are used in terms of exploring the monotonic effects of increasing CdO reinforcement on behavioural changes of synthesized glasses through well-known melt-quenching method. A conventional gamma-ray setup along with a high purity germanium detector as well as 133Ba radioisotope is used for determination of attenuation coefficients. Glass shields are irradiated with a241Am/Be neutron source using the Canberra NP-100B BF3 gas proportional detector. The addition of 10% mole CdO to the basic glass composition had a significant favorable impact on the transition resistance to gamma and neutron radiation. In comparison to all available shielding materials, (except RS-520), the C10 sample demonstrated superior gamma-ray attenuation capabilities. According to results, C glasses generally exhibit superior neutron attenuation capabilities than conventional moderators. It can be concluded that C glass family may be considered as suitable gamma-shield and neutron moderator in different types of applications from research to medical radiation fields. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.