Iron borophosphate glasses: Merging optical transparency, structural integrity, and radiation shielding efficacy for sustainable uses

The research work explored the influence of iron doping on the optical behavior, structural characteristics, and radiation shielding capabilities of soda lime borophosphate glass system of composition xFe₂O₃-(42.5-x)B₂O₃-26CaO-28.7Na₂O-2.8P₂O₅ (x up to 8 mol%). The glass samples doped with varying iron concentrations were synthesized via the conventional melt-quenching method. A comprehensive characterization approach was employed, integrating X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to probe the structural aspects, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to examine the molecular vibrations and bonding, and UV–visible spectroscopic techniques to investigate the optical properties. Furthermore, the study evaluated the potential of these iron-doped glasses as effective radiation shielding materials by assessing their attenuation performance against various radiation types. The influence of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) addition on the borophosphate network, coordination environment, and optical absorption was examined. The radiation shielding characteristics, such as mass attenuation coefficient, half-value layer, mean free path, and other parameters, were assessed using Phy-x freeware program calculations. The results revealed the formation of an amorphous glass structure and the incorporation of iron ions into the borophosphate network. The addition of Fe₂O₃ influenced the borate superstructural units, the conversion of BO₃ to BO₄ units, and the optical absorption bands. The glasses exhibited promising radiation shielding properties combined with increasing Fe₂O₃ content.