Build-up shielding-factors, physical, & mechanical properties of Er3+ doped borophosphate glasses with varied Bi2O3 content.

New Er2O3-doped lithium lead borophosphate with nominal composition 10Li2O-10PbO-20B2O3 YEr2O3-XBi2O3-(60-(Y + X))P2O5 (where (X = Y = 0) or (Y = 1 and X = 0/2/4/8 mol%) were successfully synthesized. SEM reveals Bi2O3-induced microstructural evolution in Er-doped phosphate glasses, from homogeneity (0 mol% Bi) to phase separation/cracks (8 mol% Bi), balancing densification and network stability. Mechanical strength was also studied using the Makishima-McKenzie principle. The calculated mechanical parameters showed that doping with Er2O3 instead of P2O5 increased the strength and cohesion of the glass structure. Conversely, replacing the phosphate with Bi2O3 reduced the compactness of the glass network. Py-MLBUF was used to calculate the linear attenuation coefficient, mass attenuation coefficient, half-value layer, tenth-value layer and the atomic interaction cross section for attenuation. Single and double layer exposure and energy absorption buildup factors were examined. Physical properties were investigated depending on the variation in Er2O3 and/or Bi2O3/P2O5 concentrations. The substitution of P2O5 with Er2O3 and/or Bi2O3 enhanced the physical and shielding properties of the prepared glass.