Mechanical and radiation-shielding properties of B₂O₃–P₂O₅–Li₂O–MoO₃ glasses

Amassed borophosphate lithium molybdate samples were synthesized by the melting classical technique. To check the conditions of these synthesized glasses, the X-ray diffractometer technique was applied. The density value of these samples was increased as well as the molar volume decreased. The mechanical characteristics were linked with Fourier-transform infrared spectrum results. The addition of MoO₃ increases the polymerization degree and changes the basic boring units from BO₃ to BO₄, increases the polymerization degree of phosphate network and changes the negative non-bridging oxygen to positive charges. Ultrasonic velocities and elastic modulus (experimental and theoretical) are increased. This behaviour is correlated to the substitution of Li–O with Mo–O linkages. Mass attenuation coefficient of the prepared samples decreased with the energy increase and with the addition of MoO₃. With the increase in photon energy and MoO₃ half value layer, the tenth value layer and the mean free path values increase. Hence, the increase of MoO₃ leads to a better attenuation of gamma radiation. Therefore, the glass under investigation had superior characteristics for radiation protection applications.