Neutron attenuation features and elastic properties of silicate glasses containing Ta₂O₅, and Li₂O

In this investigation, the elastic properties and neutrons attenuation factors for some optical glasses containing Ta₂O₅, SiO₂, and Li₂O were reported. The present glasses were also consisted of ZrO₂ and Nb₂O₅ in very small concentrations. The glasses are chemically defined as 26.47Li₂O-5.88ZrO₂-(20-x)Ta₂O₅-xNb₂O₅-47.06SiO2, where, x takes the values: 0, 2.94, 5.88, and 11.77 mol%. The elastic properties of these glassy specimens were determined by employing Makishima-Mackenzie's theory (M.M.T). By using the same method, moreover, the micro-hardness and Poisson's ratio were assessed. Cross sections for slow, moderated, and fissile neutrons were computed through standard expressions and models. In addition, the influence of the partial replacement of Ta₂O₅ by Nb₂O₅ on the parameters were also analysed. The glass with the lowest Nb₂O₅ content presented the highest cross sections for fast, moderated, and slow neutrons. The neutron-absorption ability of included glasses declined as glass density declined and Nb₂O₅ molar concentration increased in the glasses. Therefore, the sample with the highest Ta₂O₅ content is recommended for neutron absorption applications.