Synthesis, phase transformations, optical properties and efficiency of gamma radiation shielding by Bi2O3-TeO2-WO3 ceramics

Abstract In the modern world, great attention is paid to methods of protection against the negative effects of ionizing radiation. One of the promising solutions to this problem is the creation of radiation-resistant ceramics or glasses based on Bi2O3–WO3–TeO2, which have a high radiation resistance and absorbency of various types of ionizing radiation, including gamma, X-ray, and electron radiation. This paper presents the results of the study of the synthesis of Bi2O3-TeO2-WO ceramics, phase transformations and changes in optical and structural characteristics as a result of thermal annealing. The synthesis of ceramics was carried out using the methods of mechanochemical synthesis and thermal sintering in the range from 300 to 800 °C. Using the method of X-ray phase analysis, it was found that as a result of an increase in the sintering temperature, the following phase transformations occur: WO3/Bi2Te4O11→ WO3/Bi2Te2W3O16 → Bi2Te2W3O16→ Amorphous glass similar state. The efficiency of gamma radiation shielding with energy of 130 keV by Bi2O3-TeO2-WO3 ceramics is shown. It was found that for ceramics with a thickness of 0.5 mm, the intensity of gamma radiation can be reduced to 30–70%, depending on the phase composition of the ceramics.