KERMA, projected range, mass stopping power and gamma-ray shielding properties of antimony and tellurium reinforced iron phosphate glasses

In this study, the radiation shielding effectiveness of iron phosphate glass (Fe2O3–P2O5) doped with antimony (Sb) and tellurium (Te) is assessed in detail using advanced computational methods. The projected range, mass stopping power, and KERMA (Kinetic Energy Released per unit MAss) for fourteen different iron phosphate glass samples are calculated through the PAGEX and SRIM software. Mass attenuation coefficients, linear attenuation coefficients, mean free path, half value layers, tenth value layers, and effective atomic number are determined in 0.015–15 MeV energy range. The research reveals that doping iron phosphate glass with Sb2O3 significantly enhances its shielding capabilities when compared to the inclusion of TeO2. Another important aspect is, the IPGSb50 sample exhibited the highest KERMA values, indicating its exceptional capacity for energy absorption from ionizing radiation. Additionally, the IPGSb50 sample exhibited the lowest projected range for alpha particles, also this sample demonstrated a similar prowess in limiting the penetration of proton particles. Our findings indicate that the incorporation of Sb2O3 and TeO2 into iron phosphate glass matrices results in a noticeable improvement in gamma radiation shielding effectiveness. These doped glasses could serve as potent alternatives to traditional lead-based shielding materials, offering a safer and potentially more effective barrier against a variety of radiation types.