Preparation and study of radiation shielding features of ZnO nanoparticle reinforced borate glasses

With the development of technology, the application areas of radiation have expanded and have an important place in our daily life. For this reason, we need more advanced and effective shielding materials to protect lives from the harmful effects of radiation. In this study, a simple combustion method was utilized to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, and obtained nanoparticles' structural and morphological features were examined. The synthesized ZnO particles are used to produce different percentages (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10%) of ZnO-doped glass samples. The structural and radiation shielding parameters of obtained glasses are examined. For this purpose, the Linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) has been measured via 65Zn and 60Co gamma sources and NaI(Tl) (ORTEC (R) 905-4) detector system has been used. Using the obtained LAC values, Mass Attenuation Coefficient (MAC), Half-Value Layer (HVL), Tenth-Value Layers (TVL), and Mean-Free Path (MFP) for glass samples have been calculated. According to these radiation shielding parameters, it was concluded that these ZnO doped glass samples provide effective results in radiation shielding and can be used as a shielding material effectively.