Gamma absorption/scattering parameters and nuclear radiation shielding performance of AlSN–Zr glass system: Potential use in medical facilities

This study investigated the glass density and gamma shielding capacity of xAl₂O₃–40SiO₂–5BaO–10Bi₂O₃–20ZrO₂-(25-x)Na₂O glass system, where x = 0, 5, and 10 mol%. This glass system was synthesized and the density of the samples increased from 2.92 g/cm³ to 3.14 g/cm³ as the Al₂O₃ content rose from 0 to 10 mol %. The mass attenuation coefficients ranged from 0.0316 to 38.9421 cm²/g for AlSN–Zr1, 0.0315–38.8504 cm²/g for AlSN–Zr2, and 0.0311–37.0391 cm²/g for AlSN–Zr3. The mean free path and half-value layer for the gamma energy spectrum were approximately 7.54–0.01 cm and 10.87–0.01 cm for AlSN–Zr1, 7.19–0.01 cm and 10.38–0.01 cm for AlSN–Zr2, and 7.14–0.01 cm and 10.31–0.01 cm for AlSN–Zr3, respectively. The effective Z values range from 14.65 to 55.13 for AlSN–Zr1, 14.41–55.74 for AlSN–Zr2, and 14.10–55.01 for AlSN–Zr3. Moreover, the Al₂O₃ content incorporation reduced photon buildup factors and improved the photon shielding performance of the glass system. Based on the results, AlSN–Zr3 demonstrated the potential to replace conventional shielding materials such as glasses, concrete, and rocks. These glasses a promising candidate for durable gamma-ray shielding applications.