Radiation Shielding, Structural, and Optical Properties for YBa2Cu3O7-d Ceramic Doped with TiO2 Irradiated by Different Doses

Abstract

The effective optimization of radiation shielding materials that protect individuals against potentially harmful radiant hazards is highly desired. Nonetheless, it is still a challenge that should be further investigated. The present work addresses the low-cost development of YBa₂Cu₃O_7-d ceramic doped with TiO₂ as an effective shielding product. The prepared ceramic via solid-state reaction was irradiated with different gamma-ray dosage rates of 0.0, 2.5, and 50 kGy. Then, the phase composition, structure, optical property, and radiation shielding performances were systematically investigated. Examining the structure via XRD disclosed the creation of the desired YBa₂Cu₃O_7-d ceramic with an orthorhombic structure. A Y₂BaCuO₅ secondary phase with low intensities was detected. On the other hand, a decrease in the lattice parameters was observed after irradiation. The optical absorption was found to reduce after irradiation, which may induce bond rearrangements, bond breaking, and changes in the local structure within the ceramic system. On the other hand, the shielding properties of YBa₂Cu₃O_7-d ceramic doped with TiO₂ did not show any variation in competence with changing gamma-ray doses. So, the shielding properties for unexposed samples were assessed, which included the buildup factor, dose rate, a specific absorbed fraction of energy, and a specific dose constant. The dose rate values enhanced with increasing energy, while they showed a reduction with increasing distance. The buildup factor and a specific absorbed fraction of energy values increased with increasing the main free path in all energy ranges. The obtained findings manifest the potential of including the present-developed ceramic in the radiation shielding area.