Abstract:
Glasses in the range 50Bi2O3-30B2O3-(20-x)BaO-xRedmud, x = 0.1 to 0.5 wt.%, were synthesized and characterized for use as low melting point radiation shield glass solder using a combination of spectroscopic, thermal analysis and MCNP(X) simulation. The MCNP(X) simulation was used to determine the Gamma-ray half value layer (HVL) for several photon energies.
The results showed that the HVL and the neutronremoval cross-section, for neutrons below 15 MeV, of the samples under investigation were comparable to that of the shields used in Nuclear reactors as moderators and Gamma-ray shields. The Bulk modulus calculated using bond compression model suggest thatthe glass system would be ideal to repair currently existing construction material without compromising the structural integrity.
The structural analysis was also complimented by XRD which showed two halos consistent with the Borate network and EDS and SEM analysis which showed no major nucleation or crystalline phases. The Fe3+ content of Red mud showed the most impact on the molar volume and bond compression bulk modulus of the samples. The combined shielding, thermal and physical properties make the bismuth-borate-barium-red mud oxide glass ideal for a radiation shielding solder for shield repairs.
Methods:
Samples were prepared using the melt quench technique. Each batch was heated to 1100oC, quenched and annealed at 280oC.
Conclusions:The glass samples proved to be an effective method of incorporating red mud waste material into the construction of radiation shielding. The thermal stability and high bulk modulus make the glasses ideal for application in construction areas where glasses are not traditional construction material. The combined shielding, thermal and physical properties make the bismuth-borate-barium-red mud oxide glass ideal for a radiation shielding solder for shield repairs. The added optical properties examined showed that the glass system could also be employed as radiation protective solder for electronics in environments such as deep space.
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