TeO₂: As a key component in improving radiation shielding of B₂O₃-based glass systems

New glasses with enhanced radiation shielding characteristics have potential applications in different fields requiring radiation protection. In the context of radiation shielding applications, this work aims to develop new lead-free B₂O₃–TeO₂–Bi₂O₃–ZnO–CaO glass systems. A 15–30 mol% increase in TeO₂ concentration results in a 4.070–4.498 g/cm³ density increase. The influence of increasing the TeO₂ doping concentration on the mechanical properties of the prepared boro-tellurite glass was utilized using the Makishima-Makinze theory. Additionally, the influence of raising the TeO₂ concentration on the radiation shielding properties of the prepared boro-tellurite glass was studied using the Monte Carlo simulation. The Monte Carlo simulation confirms that a 15–30 mol% TeO₂ increase enhances LAC values, reducing half-value layer thickness (HVL), and improving radiation shielding. However, mechanical properties such as hardness and Young's modulus slightly decrease due to TeO₂ substitution.