Investigation of shielding properties of Se100−y(AgX)y (y = 0, 5 and X = Cl, Br, and I) glass-ceramics

Abstract

The Se_100−y(AgX)_y (y = 0, 5 and X = Cl, Br, and I) glass-ceramics were synthesised via melt-quenching, with density measured using Archimedes' principle. Radiation-shielding properties were investigated using Phy-X/PSD across a range of 15 keV to 15 MeV, assessing parameters such as LAC, MAC, MFP, Z_eff, N_eff, C_eff, Z_eq., EABF, EBF, and FNRCS. The Se₉₅(AgBr)₅ sample exhibited the lowest HVL, indicating superior photon attenuation compared to other compositions. The attenuation percentage (RPE%) was investigated experimentally across 60 keV, 81 keV, and 100 keV measured using Scanditronix stereotactic field diode (SFD) detectors. Additionally, their shielding performance was compared with commercially used materials, including ordinary concrete and radiation-shielding glasses. Results demonstrate that Se₉₅(AgBr)₅ meets key shielding criteria, making it a promising alternative for low-energy radiation protection. Incorporating silver halides significantly influences shielding efficiency, with AgBr proving the most effective. These findings highlight the potential of AgBr-doped selenium glass-ceramics as efficient radiation-shielding materials, offering a viable replacement for traditional options in specific shielding applications.