A comprehensive study of radiation shielding parameters of chalcogens-rich quaternary alloys for nuclear waste management

The current study examines the impact of metal additives on the shielding characteristics of Se₇₆Te₂₀Sn₂M₂ (where M = Ge, In, Sb, and Pb). These glasses are useful as shielding materials against high-energy radiation, such as X-rays and ϒ-rays, because these glasses have better values of shielding parameters compared to other potential candidates in the race for nuclear safety applications. To this end, we have calculated various radiation-related protection parameters using an online application called Phy-X/PSD. Using this program, we have estimated a complete list of radiation shielding parameters. The impact of the fourth element M (M = Ge, In, Sb, and Pb) on these parameters is also discussed.

The maximum mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) was recorded at a photon energy of 15 keV for the incorporation of lead. Half-value layer (HVL) values peaked at 6 MeV and it attained its maximum value for germanium. The highest and lowest values of the linear attenuation coefficients (LAC) were obtained for Se₇₆Te₂₀Sn₂Pb₂ and Se₇₆Te₂₀Sn₂Ge₂ alloys respectively. Notably, the Se₇₆Te₂₀Sn₂Pb₂ alloy exhibited the highest values of effective atomic number (Z_eff), electron density (N_eff), atomic cross-section (ACS), and electronic cross-section (ECS), indicating superior shielding performance. Conversely, energy absorption buildup factors (EABF) and exposure buildup factors (EBF) were highest for Se₇₆Te₂₀Sn₂Ge₂ alloy. Neutron attenuation was most effective in the Se₇₆Te₂₀Sn₂In₂ and Se₇₆Te₂₀Sn₂Pb₂ compositions. Overall, the incorporation of lead in the parent glass demonstrated superior shielding capability compared to the other compositions studied.