Qualitative Analysis of Radiation Induced Structural Changes in Alkali Aluminoborate Glasses: Raman Spectroscopy

The changes in Raman spectra of alkali borate glasses with and without Al2O3 under high dose of gamma irradiation have been reported. Glasses with composition xK(2)O center dot yAl(2)O(3)center dot(1-x-y)B2O3 (x = 20 or 30 mol%; y = 0, 10 or 15 mol%), have been prepared by melt-quenching technique. In order to investigate the role of Al2O3 in the network of potassium borate glasses, aluminium oxide has been added at the expense of B2O3 keeping the amount of alkali same. Gamma irradiation has been performed at a dose rate of 573 Gy. h(-1) with total absorbed dose of 50 KGy. Samples were characterized before and immediately after irradiation by Raman spectrophotometer. The experimental results clearly indicate a significant change in the structure of borate glass matrix after irradiation, and the dependence of irradiation effects on composition of alkali as well as on aluminium oxide content.