Skip to main content
Article
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Experimental case study of radiation shielding features of germanate-tellurite-borate glass system contains CeO2

  • ORCID logo EMAIL logo , , , , , , and
Published/Copyright: February 23, 2026
Radiochimica Acta
From the journal Radiochimica Acta

Abstract

In this paper, the radiation shielding properties of borate-tellurite-germanate glasses were experimentally studied. The four compositions (BTGMCe1–BTGMCe4) involving the use of different amounts of CeO2. The impact of the CeO2 additions on gamma-ray shielding properties was evaluated using a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector and gamma-ray sources of 137Cs (662 keV) and 60Co (1,173 and 1,332 keV). The results showed that the gamma-ray attenuation properties of the glasses were clearly dependent on composition, wherein the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of each composition increased by 16–29 % across the energies investigated, while half-value layer (HVL) and mean-free path (MFP) decreased correspondingly, indicating stronger interaction with photons. Furthermore, the results indicated that the glass with a 10 % CeO2 addition (BTGMCe4) had the lowest transmission factor (16.5 % @ 0.662 MeV and 4.6 cm thickness) and highest radiation protective efficiency (83.5 %) when compared to other state-of-the-art compositions and lead-containing glasses tested based on mass attenuation coefficients (MAC). It is essential to highlight that the results of comparative studies established that BTGMCe4 glass composition as a viable potential substitute for lead oxide-based glass, thus providing preliminary evidence of a viable ecologically safe method for attenuating low and mid-level energy gamma radiation with our developed glasses have high potential for use in radiation protective applications in both medical and industrial fields.

Keywords: borate-tellurite-germanate glass; radiation shielding; CeO2
Corresponding author: Kawa M. Kaky, Al-Nisour University College, Baghdad, 10012, Iraq, E-mail:

  1. Research ethics: Not applicable.

  2. Informed consent: Informed consent was obtained from all individuals included in this study.

  3. Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission. K.M.K., M.Y.H, T.Y.W., M.I.S., A.J.K., L.A.N., B.F.N., M.A.: investigation, methodology, writing – original draft.

  4. Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.

  5. Conflict of interest: No conflict of interest.

  6. Research funding: None declared.

  7. Data availability: Data will be available based on request.

References

1. Sayyed, M. I.; Kaky, K. M. Rare-Earth İon Effects on Radiation Shielding Parameters of GeO2-B2O3-ZnO-P2O5-Tb2O3 Glass System. J. Mater. Eng. Perform. 2024, 33, 12930; https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-023-08918-x.Search in Google Scholar

2. AbuAlRoos, N. J.; Baharul Amin, N. A.; Zainon, R. Conventional and New Lead-free Radiation Shielding Materials for Radiation Protection in Nuclear Medicine: A Review. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 2019, 165, 108439; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2019.108439.Search in Google Scholar

3. Hamad, M. K. H. Effect of WO3 on Structural, Optical, Mechanical, and Ionizing Radiation Shielding Properties of Borate-Tellurite Glass Network. Ceram. Int. 2025, 51, 9763; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2024.12.407.Search in Google Scholar

4. Kaky, K. M.; Sayyed, M. I.; Mahmoud, K. A.; Mhareb, M. H. A.; Biradar, S.; Kadhim, A. J. A Comprehensive Investigation on Lanthanum Ions Doped Borate-Tellurite-Germinate Glass for Radiation Shielding and Optical Application. Prog. Nucl. Energy 2024, 176, 105402; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2024.105402.Search in Google Scholar

5. Oto, B.; Yıldız, N.; Akdemir, F.; Kavaz, E. Investigation of Gamma Radiation Shielding Properties of Various Ores. Prog. Nucl. Energy 2015, 85, 391; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2015.07.016.Search in Google Scholar

6. Luković, J.; Babić, B.; Bučevac, D.; Prekajski, M.; Pantić, J.; Baščarević, Z.; Matović, B. Synthesis and Characterization of Tungsten Carbide Fine Powders. Ceram. Int. 2015, 41, 1271; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2014.09.057.Search in Google Scholar

7. Sayyed, M. I.; Zaiter, M. J.; Mhareb, M. H. A.; Mahmoud, K. A.; Biradar, S.; Mahdi, R. I.; Kaky, K. M. Optical, Physical, Mechanical, Structural, and Radiation Shielding Investigations of B2O3–TeO2-GeO2-MgO-PbO for Ionizing Protection and Optical Transmission Application. Opt. Mater. (Amst). 2024, 154, 115807; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2024.115807.Search in Google Scholar

8. Alawaideh, S. E.; Sayyed, M. I.; Mahmoud, K. A.; Hanfi, M.; Imheidat, M. A.; Kaky, K. M.; Thabit, H. A.; Elsafi, M. Effect of Different Metal Oxides on the Radiation Shielding Features of Borate Glasses. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 2024, 220, 111720; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2024.111720.Search in Google Scholar

9. Gökçe, H. S.; Öztürk, B. C.; Çam, N. F.; Andiç-Çakır, Ö. Gamma-Ray Attenuation Coefficients and Transmission Thickness of High Consistency Heavyweight Concrete Containing Mineral Admixture. Cem. Concr. Compos. 2018, 92, 56.10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2018.05.015Search in Google Scholar

10. Kaky, K. M.; Sayyed, M. I.; Hamad, M. K.; Biradar, S.; Mhareb, M. H. A.; Altimari, U.; Taki, M. M. Bismuth Oxide Effects on Optical, Structural, Mechanical, and Radiation Shielding Features of Borosilicate Glasses. Opt. Mater. (Amst). 2024, 155, 115853; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2024.115853.Search in Google Scholar

11. Alajerami, Y. S. M.; Mhareb, M. H. A.; Sayyed, M. I.; Hamad, M. K. H.; Abuelhia, E.; Alshamari, A.; Alqahtani, M. Y.; Imheidat, M. A. Physical and Radiation Shielding Properties for Borate, Boro-Tellurite, and Tellurite Glass System Modified with Different Modifiers: Comparative Study. Opt. Mater. (Amst). 2024, 147, 114558; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2023.114558.Search in Google Scholar

12. Demir, İ.; Gümüş, M.; Gökçe, H. S. Gamma Ray and Neutron Shielding Characteristics of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Heavyweight Concrete Exposed to High Temperatures. Constr. Build. Mater. 2020, 257, 119596.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119596Search in Google Scholar

13. Aloraini, D. A.; Almuqrin, A. H.; Kaky, K. M.; Sayyed, M. I.; Elsafi, M. Radiation Shielding Capability and Exposure Buildup Factor of Cerium(Iv) Oxide-Reinforced Polyester Resins. e-Polymers. 2023, 23. https://doi.org/10.1515/epoly-2023-0128.Search in Google Scholar

14. Garba, N. N.; Aliyu, A. S.; Rabiu, N.; Kankara, U. M.; Vatsa, A. M.; Ismaila, A.; Musa, J.; Onuh, E. Investigation of Natural Radionuclides and Radiation Shielding Potential of Some Commonly Used Building Materials in Northwestern Nigeria. Sci. Rep. 2024, 14, 9696; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-60541-5.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

15. Sayyed, M. I.; Almuqrin, A. H.; Kurtulus, R.; Javier-Hila, A. M. V.; Kaky, K.; Kavas, T. X-ray Shielding Characteristics of P2O5–Nb2O5 Glass Doped with Bi2O3 by Using EPICS2017 and Phy-X/PSD. Appl. Phys. A 2021, 127, 243; https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-021-04405-z.Search in Google Scholar

16. Hamad, R. M.; Hamad, M. K.; Mhareb, M. H. A.; Sayyed, M. I.; Alajerami, Y. S.; Dwaikat, N.; Almessiere, M. A.; Imheidat, M. A.; Ziq, K. H. A. Structural and Radiation Shielding Features for BaSn1-xZnxO3 Perovskite. Physica B Condens. Matter. 2022, 638, 413925; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physb.2022.413925.Search in Google Scholar

17. Luo, H.; Hu, X.; Liu, W.; Zhang, Y.; Lu, A.; Hao, X. Compositional Dependence of Properties of Gd2O3–SiO2–B2O3 Glasses with High Gd2O3 Concentration. J. Non. Cryst. Solids. 2014, 389, 86; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2014.02.017.Search in Google Scholar

18. Zakaly, H. M. H.; Issa, S. A. M.; Saudi, H. A.; Soliman, T. S. Decoding the Role of Bismuth Oxide in Advancing Structural, Thermal, and Nuclear Properties of [B2O3–Li2O–SiO2]-Nb2O5 Glass Systems. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 2024, 223, 111984; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2024.111984.Search in Google Scholar

19. Sayyed, M. I.; Lakshminarayana, G.; Dong, M. G.; Ersundu, M. Ç.; Ersundu, A. E.; Kityk, I. V. Investigation on Gamma and Neutron Radiation Shielding Parameters for BaO/SrO‒Bi2O3‒B2O3 Glasses. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 2018, 145, 26; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2017.12.010.Search in Google Scholar

20. Alajerami, Y. S. M.; Morsy, M. A.; Mhareb, M. H. A.; Sayyed, M. I.; Imheidat, M. A.; Hamad, M. K.; Karim, M. K. A. Structural, Optical, and Radiation Shielding Features for a Series of Borate Glassy System Modified by Molybdenum Oxide. Eur. Phys. J. Plus 2021, 136, 583; https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-021-01582-x.Search in Google Scholar

21. Aktas, B.; Acikgoz, A.; Yilmaz, D.; Yalcin, S.; Dogru, K.; Yorulmaz, N. The Role of TeO2 Insertion on the Radiation Shielding, Structural and Physical Properties of Borosilicate Glasses. J. Nucl. Mater. 2022, 563, 153619; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2022.153619.Search in Google Scholar

22. Ibrahim, S., Rammah, Y. S., Ahmed, E. M., Ali, A. A. The Role of Lead Oxides in the Enhancement the Radiation Shielding Properties and Physical Properties of Barium Cadmium Borate Glasses. J. Aust. Ceram. Soc. 2025, 61, 1223. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41779-025-01158-3.Search in Google Scholar

23. Sayyed, M. I.; Kaky, K. M.; Şakar, E.; Akbaba, U.; Taki, M. M.; Agar, O. Gamma Radiation Shielding Investigations for Selected Germanate Glasses. J. Non. Cryst. Solids. 2019, 512, 33; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2019.02.014.Search in Google Scholar

24. Buyuk, B.; Keskin, O.; Karabul, Y.; Kocak, İ.; Kamislioglu, M. Production, Analysis, and Assessment of Gamma-Ray Shielding Performance of Gd2O3-Doped ZnO–B2O3 Glasses Using MCNP6 Simulations. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 2025, 232, 112671; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.112671.Search in Google Scholar

25. Abou Hussein, E. M.; Shaban, S. E.; Rammah, Y. S.; Misbah, M. H.; Marzouk, M. A. Newly Developed CeO2 and Gd2O3-Reinforced Borosilicate Glasses from Municipal Waste Ash and Their Optical, Structural, and Gamma-Ray Shielding Properties. Sci. Rep. 2024, 14, 13673; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-63207-4.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

26. Mhareb, M. H. A.; Sayyed, M. I.; Mahdi, R. I.; Kaky, K. M.; Hamad, M. K.; Kadhim, A. J. Role of Nd (III) Ions on B2O3–TeO2-GeO2-MgO Glass Composition for Optical and Ionizing Protection Application. Nucl. Eng. Technol. 2025, 57, 103162; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2024.08.031.Search in Google Scholar

27. Alharshan, G. A.; Said, S. A.; Demewez, A. A.; Al-Farraj, S.; Sillanpää, M.; Ebrahem, N. M. Structural and Functional Modifications in CeO2-doped Borosilicate Glasses: Insights into Dielectric Behavior and Gamma Radiation Attenuation. Sci. Rep. 2025, 16, 1148; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-30766-z.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

28. Abdel Maksoud, M. I. A.; Abou Hussein, E. M.; Kassem, S. M.; Fahim, R. A.; Awed, A. S. Effect of CeO2 Addition on Structural, Optical, and Radiation Shielding Properties of B2O3–Na2O–SrO Glass System. J. Mater. Sci.: Mater. Electron. 2021, 32, 18931; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-021-06409-0.Search in Google Scholar

29. Ahmadi, M.; Vahid, Z.; Darush, N. Investigated Mechanical, Physical Parameters and Gamma-Neutron Radiation Shielding of the Rare Earth (Er2O3/CeO2) Doped Barium Borate Glass: Role of the Melting Time and Temperature. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 2024, 217, 111450; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2023.111450.Search in Google Scholar

30. Alyousef, H. A.; Alrowaili, Z. A.; Saad, M.; Al-Mohiy, H.; Alshihri, A. A.; Shaaban, K. S.; Al-Buriahi, M. S.; Wahab, E. A. A. RETRACTED: Examinations of Mechanical, and Shielding Properties of CeO2 Reinforced B2O3–ZnF2–Er2O3–ZnO Glasses for Gamma-Ray Shield and Neutron Applications. Heliyon 2023, 9, e14435; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14435.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

31. Boukhris, I.; Kebaili, I.; Al-Buriahi, M. S.; Sayyed, M. I. Radiation Shielding Properties of Tellurite-Lead-Tungsten Glasses Against Gamma and Beta Radiations. J. Non. Cryst. Solids. 2021, 551, 120430; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2020.120430.Search in Google Scholar

32. Naseer, K. A.; Marimuthu, K.; Mahmoud, K. A.; Sayyed, M. I. Impact of Bi2O3 Modifier Concentration on Barium–Zincborate Glasses: Physical, Structural, Elastic, and Radiation-Shielding Properties. Eur. Phys. J. Plus 2021, 136, 116; https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-020-01056-6.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

33. Mahmoud, K. A.; Sayyed, M. I.; Mhareb, M. H. A.; Kadhim, A. J.; Kaky, K. M. G-T-B Glass Composition Doped with Different Concentrations of Cerium Oxide: Material Fabrication, Structural and Optical Characterization, and Protective Efficiency Against γ-Rays. J. Mater. Sci.: Mater. Electron. 2025, 36, 1387; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-025-15430-6.Search in Google Scholar

34. Rozi, N. F.; Hasnimulyati, L.; Azuraida, A. Simulated Radiation Shielding Parameter for Energy 1 keV-100 Gev of Lead-Free Borotellurite Based Glass for Nuclear Medicine Application. Chalcogenide Lett. 2025, 22, 57; https://doi.org/10.15251/cl.2025.221.57.Search in Google Scholar

35. Yin, S.; Wang, H.; Wang, S.; Zhang, J.; Zhu, Y. Effect of B2O3 on the Radiation Shielding Performance of Telluride Lead Glass System. Crystals (Basel) 2022, 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12020178.Search in Google Scholar
Received: 2025-12-04
Accepted: 2026-01-29
Published Online: 2026-02-23

© 2026 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

https://doi.org/10.1515/ract-2025-0110
Keywords for this article
borate-tellurite-germanate glass; radiation shielding; CeO2
Downloaded on 26.4.2026 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/ract-2025-0110/html?lang=en
Scroll to top button