Optical and radiation shielding features for a new series of borate glass samples

A series of borate glass (80-y)B2O3-10ZnO-10CdO-yBaO, where 10 < y < 30, was synthesized by the melt quench method. The durability and optical features were explored to study the structural features. The sample S2 appears the highest durability than other samples. Several optical parameters were determined, such as bandgap, refractive index, reflection loss, metallization, and cutoff wavelength; these parameters show a good relationship with durability. Moreover, comprehensive radiation shielding properties, including gamma, neutron, and proton, were computed theoretically. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC)theoretical was defined by using the XCOM program, the (MAC)theoretical was compared with MCNP values, and the acquired results show excellent compatibility. The sample S5 gives the best sheilding properties for gamma and proton radiations. While, S1 sample provides the highest neutron shielding features. Finally, it can be concluded that the fabricated glass samples can be used as a shielding substance for proton, neutron, and gamma-ray.