Kılıç, G.İlik, E.Kavaz, E.Durmuş, HasanGüler, ÖmerBirdoğan, SelçukAlmisned, GhadaTekin, Hüseyin Ozan2025-04-172025-04-172025Kilic, G., Ilik, E., Kavaz, E., Durmus, H., Güler, Ö., Birdogan, S., ... & Tekin, H. O. (2025). First Exploration of Pr6O11 Nanoparticle Integration in Borotellurite Glasses: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance for Enhanced Mechanical Strength and Radiation Shielding. Ceramics International.02728842http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.01.593https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12713/6254This study investigates the incorporation of Pr6O11 nanoparticles into lithium borotellurite glass matrices to enhance their mechanical and radiation shielding properties. Glass compositions, synthesized with varying Pr6O11 concentrations from 0 to 8 mol%, exhibited increasing densities from 4.00783 g cm−3 to 4.94440 g cm−3 and reduced molar volumes, confirming nanoparticle-induced densification. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed amorphous structures with shifts in the hollow band indicating compact network rearrangements. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses confirmed homogeneous Pr distribution up to 6 mol%, with clustering observed in 8 mol% samples. Vickers’ microhardness values progressively increased, highlighting enhanced mechanical strength due to reduced non-bridging oxygen ions and network cross-linking. Gamma-ray shielding experiments demonstrated superior performance of the 8 mol% sample (Pr8), with the highest mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic number, and reduced half-value layer. Neutron attenuation assessments further confirmed improved shielding capabilities, with Pr8 achieving the highest effective removal cross-section. In conclusion, Pr6O11-doped lithium borotellurite glasses demonstrate significant potential for advanced radiation shielding applications.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessBorotellurite GlassesGlass ShieldsNanoparticlesPr6O11SEMXRDArticle1122-s2.0-8521685419710.1016/j.ceramint.2025.01.593Q1