Insights into PbO–Bi2O3–ZnO–B2O3 glasses: physical, mechanical, optical basicity, electronic polarizability, and radiation shielding investigations

The glasses' density, molar volume, and molecular weight increase with increasing lead concentration for the PbO–Bi2O3–ZnO–B2O3 glasses. The ion concentration and field strength increase with increasing PbO concentration. Changes in the packing density and oxygen molar volume suggest network changes of a structural nature. The increase in optical basicity and decrease in electronegativity values indicate a higher electron-donating tendency of the glasses with increased concentration of PbO, while the increase in electronic polarizability suggests greater distortion susceptibility due to an externally located electric field. Makishima-Mackenzie's theory was used to study the outcome of lead oxide concentration on the glass's mechanical properties. The increase in PbO concentration results in increased network complexity and stiffness, together with elevated dissociation energy. However, this also results in a decrease in packing density and elastic moduli. The Poisson ratio decreases, indicating cross-linking in the glass network, and the fractal bond connectivity parameter indicates a three-dimensional network. The radiation shielding capability has been compared to other glasses as well and it is found that 70PbO–10Bi2O3–10ZnO–10B2O3 sample is a superior choice for radiation shielding glass.