Binary B₂O₃–Bi₂O₃ glasses: scrutinization of directly and indirectly ionizing radiations shielding abilities

For five B₂O₃–Bi₂O₃ glasses, detailedly, γ, neutron, & proton, alpha, and electron (charged particles) shielding efficacies were assessed in this work. The crucial photon attenuating (interaction probabilities) parameter i.e., mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) was calculated by Phy-X/PSD software and procured μ/ρ results have been verified through MCNPX, Geant4, & FLUKA codes μ/ρ findings from which a quality unanimity among them was noticed over an energy range of 15 KeV–15 MeV. Following μ/ρ & linear attenuation coefficient (μ) outcomes, Z_eff, N_eff, HVL, TVL, and MFP have been reckoned and found that all μ/ρ, Z_eff, N_eff, HVL, TVL, & MFP highly rest on glass chemical contents & photon energy. Z_eq and by applying geometric progression (G‒P) fitting parameters (a, b, c, d, & X_k coefficients) EBFs & EABFs were appraised at ten specific penetration depths up to 40 mfp, at energy range of 0.015–15 MeV. The inferred RPE quantities confirmed all chosen glasses quintessential absorption competence for lower energy γ-rays. Utilizing SRIM code the mass stopping powers (MSPs) & projected ranges (PRs) for protons ((Ψ_P)&(Φ_P)) and alpha particles (Ψ_A)&(Φ_A), and with the help of ESTAR database, electron MSP (Ψ_E) & continuous slowing down approximation (CSDA) ranges for electrons have been approximated at 0.015–15 MeV KE. The fast neutron removal cross-sections (Σ_R) were estimated and obtained Σ_R was diversified at 0.10978–0.12144 cm⁻¹ range relying on Bi₂O₃ inclusion in glasses. Based on all acquired outputs, 57.5B₂O₃-42.5Bi₂O₃ (mol%) glass possesses superior attenuation capacity for γ-rays and fast neutrons as well as charged particles.