玻璃基中子及γ射线屏蔽材料研究进展

Research Progress on Glass-Based Neutron and Gamma-Ray Shielding Materials

玻璃材料具备高化学稳定性和高辐照稳定性,同时还具备高折射率以及高透光性的光学特性,这使玻璃基中子及γ射线屏蔽材料有望成为同时实现辐射屏蔽以及视觉监控的独特材料。本文从中子辐射及γ射线辐射屏蔽机理入手,结合蒙特卡罗法介绍了屏蔽材料设计思路及手段,以及多种玻璃基屏蔽材料研究现状。铅玻璃由于高毒性正逐步被淘汰,而硅酸盐、硼酸盐、硼硅酸盐等无铅玻璃已成为工业市场的主流。通过向玻璃中掺入重金属化合物(如Bi_(2)O_(3)、BaO)和稀土元素(如La、Gd),可以有效增加质量衰减系数并降低半值层,从而显著提升其屏蔽效果,但是这种掺杂方式可能会对材料的机械性能产生不利影响。此外,本文还比较了玻璃基屏蔽材料与其他类型屏蔽材料的优劣。进一步提升玻璃基屏蔽材料的综合性能,以及开发既环保又智能的新型屏蔽材料,对于推动屏蔽技术的进步与应用具有重大意义。

Glass-based materials are renowned for their application prospects in neutron and gamma-ray shielding,focusing on their dual functionality of offering radiation protection while permitting visual monitoring.These materials stand out for their excellent chemical durability,resilience against radiation-induced deterioration,high refractive indices,and superior light transmission characteristics.In this paper,the initial sections are delved into the shielding mechanisms for neutron and gamma-ray radiation,employing Monte Carlo simulations to elucidate the design principles and development strategies of these shielding materials.It is complemented by a comprehensive review of the current state of research in glass-based shielding materials.Given the environmental and health concerns associated with lead-based glasses,lead glass is being abandoned.The paper highlights the predominance of silicate,borate,and borosilicate glasses in the industry.It is demonstrated that the addition of heavy metal oxides(such as Bi_(2)O_(3) and BaO)and rare earth elements(like La and Gd)to the glass matrix can significantly increase the mass attenuation coefficient(MAC),reduce the half-value layer(HLV),and thereby enhance shielding effectiveness.Notably,the integration of these dopants may negatively impact the mechanical properties of materials.This paper also includes a comparison of glass-based shielding materials with alternative shielding solutions.Enhancing the multifaceted performance of glass-based shielding materials,alongside the advancement of eco-friendly and smart shielding solutions,will constitute a pivotal area of future research.