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Novel quaternary glasses with varying compositions of xBi2O3-(75–x)TeO2–20Li2O–5Al2O3 were synthesized using a melt-quenching method to analyze their physical, elastic properties and to evaluate their potential as radiation shielding materials. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and ultrasonic measurement were utilized to study those properties. The radiation shielding properties of the glass samples were determined for 0.01–10000 MeV photon energy range by using Phy-X/PSD software. The incorporation of Bi2O3, ranging from 0 mol% to 5 mol%, led to an increase in density which is measured by Archimedes’ principle, ascending from 4.68 to 5.06 g/cm3 . The longitudinal, bulk, shear, and Young’s modulus, displayed a non-linear decline from 63.41 to 61.44 GPa, 33.52 to 33.20 GPa, 22.41 to 21.18 GPa, and 54.99 to 52.39 GPa. Furthermore, the inclusion of Bi2O3 up to x = 5 mol% produce mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of 14.892 cm2/g at x-ray energy of 40 KeV, surpassing that of commercial RS360 and RS520 radiation shielding glasses by 577% and 323%, respectively. When subjected to gamma ray of 662 KeV the MAC is 0.08 cm2/g which was also accompanied by a reduction in the half-value layer (HVL) to 1.58 cm where it surpassed the concrete by 38% and linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of 0.38 cm−1. The effective atomic number (Zeff) and effective electron density (Neff) reach maximum value of 59.74 and 7.88 × 1023 electrons/g at 0.02 MeV respectively. These results highlight the suitability of the glass composition with x = 5 mol% as an exceptional choice for employment as to shield against both X-rays and gamma rays.

An investigation was conducted to explore the optimum composition to fabricate a zinc silicate glass substrate for optoelectronic device applications. The composition was determined based on the empirical formula (ZnO)x-(SiO2)1-x, where x = 0.40, 0.50, 0.60 and 0.70 wt, which was prepared by the conventional melt quenching technique. The focus is on characterizing the physical and structural aspects as well as the optical properties of the glass substrate. The physical properties of zinc silicate samples were assessed using the densitometer and their physical appearance. In addition, the materials' amorphous and glassy characteristics were verified using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. Finally, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectrometer were used to study the optical properties of samples. The density of the samples was observed to increase from 2805 to 3878 kg/m3 as the percentage of ZnO in the glass composition increased. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the absence of sharp peaks in the samples containing up to 0.60 wt of ZnO, suggesting the presence of an amorphous phase. Furthermore, the results of this study indicate that ZnO-SiO2 glass substrate samples favor direct forbidden transitions, with an increase in ZnO leading to higher absorption and consequently a lower band gap. The photoluminescence spectrum showed blue light emissions at 422 nm, associating with the variation of band gaps in the ZnO phase. Overall, from the interesting results achieved, this zinc silicate-based composite material at 0.60 wt ZnO can be a potent candidate in optoelectronic applications, among other concentrations used in this study.

In this paper, a series of [Sm2O3]x[(ZnO)0.5 (B2O3)0.1 (SLS)0.4]1-x, where × = 0, 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 in weight fraction was fabricated via melt-quenching method. The influence of the samarium ion (Sm3+) concentration on the structural and optical properties was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the samples’ glassy (amorphous) behavior. The optical absorption intensity enhanced as the dopant increased, whereas the optical band gap reduced with the progression of Sm3+ concentration. The sample’s refractive index and Urbach energy range from 2.145 to 2.203 and 0.682 eV to 0.713 eV, respectively. From the photoluminescence studies, 3 wt% Sm3+-doped samples indicate the most intense emission in the orange-reddish region among the other samples. The calculated CIE coordinates for Sm3+ doped ZnO–B2O3–SLS glasses are approximate (0.57, 0.43), near the Amber LED NSPAR 70BS produced by Nichia Corporation. In addition, the CCT of the Sm3+-doped samples at about ~ 1750 K reveals prepared glass samples have bright orange-reddish emission. These findings indicate that Sm3+-doped in ZnO-B2O3-SLS has enhanced its orange-reddish emission and potential as an orange-reddish glass phosphor material in optoelectronic devices such as glass phosphor for LEDs.

In this paper, a series of [Sm2O3]x[(ZnO)0.5 (B2O3)0.1 (SLS)0.4]1-x, where × = 0, 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 in weight fraction was fabricated via melt-quenching method. The influence of the samarium ion (Sm3+) concentration on the structural and optical properties was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the samples’ glassy (amorphous) behavior. The optical absorption intensity enhanced as the dopant increased, whereas the optical band gap reduced with the progression of Sm3+ concentration. The sample’s refractive index and Urbach energy range from 2.145 to 2.203 and 0.682 eV to 0.713 eV, respectively. From the photoluminescence studies, 3 wt% Sm3+-doped samples indicate the most intense emission in the orange-reddish region among the other samples. The calculated CIE coordinates for Sm3+ doped ZnO–B2O3–SLS glasses are approximate (0.57, 0.43), near the Amber LED NSPAR 70BS produced by Nichia Corporation. In addition, the CCT of the Sm3+-doped samples at about ~ 1750 K reveals prepared glass samples have bright orange-reddish emission. These findings indicate that Sm3+-doped in ZnO-B2O3-SLS has enhanced its orange-reddish emission and potential as an orange-reddish glass phosphor material in optoelectronic devicessuch as glass phosphor for LEDs.

Samarium (III) oxide doped zinc-borosilicate glasses were successfully fabricated using the melt-quenching method by using SLS glass as a source of SiO2. With the progression of Sm3+ concentration, the density of the sample improved from 3.423 g/cm3 to 3.495 g/cm3, while the molar volume raised from 21.760 cm3/mol to 23.665 cm3/mol. The XRD analysis verified the samples’ amorphous nature. Besides, the longitudinal and shear velocity range between 5265.15 and 5706.244 m/s and 2900.247–3039.522 m/s, respectively. The elastic moduli for longitudinal, shear, bulk, and Young’s modulus range between 96.389–111.457 GPa, 29.247–31.624 GPa, 56.493–69.292 GPa, and 75.000–82.345, respectively. Furthermore, with the increment of Sm3+ concentration, the sample’s Poisson’s ratio reduces from 0.302 to 0.270, indicating a progressive rise in cross-link density due to increased glass ionicity. Moreover, the fractal bond connectivity and fugacity rise from 1.826 to 2.170 and 0.060 to 0.083, respectively, with the progression of Sm3+ concentration. The findings imply that the Sm3+ dopant acts as a glass modifier, impacting the elastic performance of the zinc-borosilicate glasses.

The influence of inserting WO3 in a barium-phosphate glass system (BaWP) with the chemical composition of (50-x)BaO+ (x + y)WO3 + (50-y)P2O5, where x = y and x + y = 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mol% was evaluated. Makishima-Mackenzie's theory was applied to describe the tested BaWP glasses’ mechanical properties. The mechanical moduli (Young's, shear, bulk, and longitudinal) were predicted based on packing factor, coordination number, and the ionic radius of elements constituting the current glasses. Moreover, The shielding ability of the investigated glass samples was assessed using the Monte Carlo. The simulated results showed the best mass attenuation coefficient recorded for the BaWP7 glass sample. It is ranged between 0.3191 and 0.0517 cm2/g for gamma photons ranging from 0.284 to 1.406 MeV, respectively.

This research reports the optical and luminescence properties of new tellurite glass system with nominal composition of x(Sm2O3)–10MgO–30B2O3−(60−x)TeO2, where x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mol% synthesized via fast cooling melt-quenching method. The physical characteristic, UV–visible, refractive index, and photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques were used to examine the structural changes and optical performance of the glasses. No sharp peak appeared in the diffraction of XRD region proved the amorphous state of the glasses. The bulk density of the prepared glass samples presented an increasing trend from 4.105 to 4.403 g/cm3 meanwhile the molar volume showed opposite pattern with range value of 28.69–29.39 cm3/mol. The highest density governed by glass sample with concentration of samarium ions at 3.0 mol%, which is 4.403 g/cm3. The optical absorption spectra were characterized to determine the energy band gap, Urbach energy, and refractive index of the glasses. The obtained values for refractive index is in between 2.481 and 2.575 meanwhile for Urbach energy is 0.238–0.319 eV. The optical absorption spectra reveal eleven energy transitions bands centered at 4G9/2, 4I11/2, 4F3/2, 4G5/2, 6F11/2, 6F9/2, 6F7/2, 6F5/2, 6F3/2, 6H15/2, 6F1/2 from ground state of 6H5/2. Four strong emission peaks occurred in photoluminescence, with the highest red emission peak at 600 nm. Chromaticity coordinates of the glass samples were determined as well as the dominant wavelength and colour purity, using CIE Chromaticity diagram 1931.

In this study, a promising relationship between antibacterial zone and radiation attenuation properties was investigated in Ag2O doped bioactive glasses with a chemical composition of xAg2O–20Li2O–25TeO2-(55-x)B2O3 (where x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mol%). For this aim, a wide-ranging radiation attenuation characterization procedure was performed on Ag2O substituted bioactive glasses. The general-purpose Monte Carlo code MCNPX (v.2.7.0) was used to model bioactive glasses. The mass attenuation coefficients were calculated using a gamma-ray transmission setup. The coefficients obtained were used to determine other important attenuation properties. Finally, for particular behaviors, exposure (EBF) and energy absorption (EABF) build-up factors were calculated for specific attitudes of Ag2O substitutions in bioactive glasses during the interaction process. The results showed that there is direct relationship between Ag2O substitution amount and radiation attenuation properties. In addition to its well-behaviors on inhibition zone against bacterial occurrences, it can be concluded that increasing Ag2O would increase the gamma-ray attenuation properties of studied bioactive glass system.

Novel glass-ceramic composites with optical bandgap tunability were synthesised. Zinc silicate powder (ZS) was mixed with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at various mass fractions (0, 1, 2, and 3 wt %), followed by argon sintering. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the structural change from an amorphous ZS phase to a crystalline willemite phase (Zn2SiO4) by adding MWCNTs, and the largest crystallite size was obtained for ZS with 2.0 wt% MWCNTs. Although the agglomeration of ZS and MWCNTs was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), there was no chemical interaction between ZS and MWCNTs as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). MWCNTs enhanced the crystallisation, which led to the green emission of Zn2SiO4 blue-shifting from 572 nm to 557 nm. The narrowed optical bandgap of Zn2SiO4 was attributed to the MWCNT-induced exciton localised between the valence band and conduction band of Zn2SiO4. The bandgap tuning effect of MWCNTs potentially paved new ways to mass fabricate zinc silicate-based semiconductors with desirable optical bandgap energy Eg, which significantly benefits the sensor and laser-related industry.

This study was conducted to synthesize foam glass-ceramic using SLS glass as a precursor; eggshell (ES) as a foaming agent and investigated the effect of sintering temperature on the crystal growth, microstructure and mechanical properties of the final product. The samples undergo the sintering process at different temperatures such as 700, 800 and 900 °C for 60 min with the heating rate of 10 °C/min. The structural properties were studied by XRD, FTIR and FESEM measurement. The cristobalite (SiO2) and wollastonite (CaSiO3) phases were identified after the sintering process and their microstructure was recorded by the FESEM micrograph. The physical properties of the samples were measured by average density measurement, linear expansion and compressive strength. The lowest density measurement using the Archimedes principle was achieved by 0.421 g/cm3 with the highest volumetric expansion at 92% after the sample sintered at 800 °C. Good correlations between porosity, mechanical strength and crystal phase were observed. The invention of foam glass-ceramics from waste materials can be applied as a potential building insulation material that gives benefit to the environment and energy usage.

In this research, influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) addition in silica matrix to produce zinc silicate glass system (ZnO–SiO2) derived from white rice husk ash (WRHA) have been investigated via solid state method. The 90 wt percentage (wt.%) of silica content in WRHA has been proved by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). Hence, the compositions of (ZnOx–WRHA1-x) glass system were varied by x = 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65 and 0.70 wt% to study their structural and optical behaviors. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed that with the addition of ZnO in the silica matrix, the broad halo peaks became weaker and caused a few crystalline peaks to appear. Meanwhile, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that absorption bands related to SiO4 unit group are weakened as amount of ZnO increased. This is due to the increase of non-bridging oxygen's (NBO's) formation in the glass structure which also affects the absorbance measurement by ultra violet visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) to be shifted towards higher in wavelength as the composition of ZnO increases. Lattice distortion due to NBO's formation had decreased the band gap values from 4.28 eV to 3.95 eV. Overall, 60:40 ratio of ZnO against WRHA was selected as the best ratio to produce zinc silicate (Zn2SiO4) glass ceramics. Lastly, the characterization of europium (Eu3+) doped Zn2SiO4 glass ceramics with subject to sintering temperature also has been studied to prove that this material can be a great potential host matrix for red-emitting phosphor.

Al−2CNTs−xAl2O3 nanocomposites were manufactured by a hybrid powder metallurgy and microwave sintering process. The correlation between process-induced microstructural features and the material properties including physical and mechanical properties as well as ultrasonic parameters was measured. It was found that physical properties including densification and physical dimensional changes were closely associated with the morphology and particle size of nanocomposite powders. The maximum density was obtained by extensive particle refinement at milling time longer than 8 h and Al2O3 content of 10 wt.%. Mechanical properties were controlled by Al2O3 content, dispersion of nano reinforcements and grain size. The optimum hardness and strength properties were achieved through incorporation of 10 wt.% Al2O3 and homogenous dispersion of CNTs and Al2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) at 12 h of milling which resulted in the formation of high density of dislocations and extensive grain size refinement. Also both longitudinal and shear velocities and attenuation increase linearly by increasing Al2O3 content and milling time. The variation of ultrasonic velocity and attenuation was attributed to the degree of dispersion of CNTs and Al2O3 and also less inter-particle spacing in the matrix. The larger Al2O3 content and more homogenous dispersion of CNTs and Al2O3 NPs at longer milling time exerted higher velocity and attenuation of ultrasonic wave.

Mullite-based ceramics were produced entirely from industrial wastes. Aluminum dross (AD) is a waste product produced in secondary aluminum refining, and coal fly ash (CFA) which is a waste generated by coal-fired power plant. Both were mixed together in different weight ratio, subsequently compacted and sintered. The effects of the sintering temperature, acid leaching and Al2O3/SiO2 ratio on the chemical, physical, thermal expansion properties of the samples were characterized in detail. The results showed that appropriate mixing ratio and acid leaching had positive effects on the mineralogy, crystallinity, and macromorphology of sintered samples. At sintering temperature of 1500 °C, high mullite content ceramics with good crystallinity were produced. The resultant ceramics exhibited excellent thermal expansion properties with coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) values ranging from 4.0 to 5.9 × 10−6 °C−1 (average between 30 °C and 1000 °C). This study demonstrated that the production of mullite-based ceramics using entirely CFA and AD was feasible.

In this work, zinc silicate glass system (ZnO-SiO2) doped with various europium ion (Eu3+) concentrations derived from white rice husk ash (WRHA) were synthesized using melt and quench method. All samples determined by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) showed amorphous phase structure. The surface micrographs detected by Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed Eu3+ addition had reduced the sample’s porosity. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) revealed the presence of Eu3+ ions had weakened the absorption peaks of SiO4. Meanwhile, ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) showed the absorption edges were shifted towards higher wavelength with Eu3+ addition. Band gap values were increased from 2.97 eV to 4.23 eV when Eu3+ dopant increased but decreased back to 3.98 eV at highest concentration. Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) analysis showed intense red emission at 600 nm corresponding to 5D0 → 7F2 transition were enhanced by Eu3+ doping. Hence, their luminescent properties are useful for optical device such as white light emitting diodes.

Porous mullite ceramics were produced using mullite precursor and modified cenospheres as a non-sacrificial pore-forming agent. The cenospheres used are aluminosilicate hollow spheres with high silica and alumina content, which are obtained from coal-fired power plant. In this study, the cenospheres were modified using aluminum trichloride hexahydrate (AlCl3·6H2O), alkali/acid leaching and heat treatment. Various types and amounts of the modified cenospheres were mixed with mullite precursor to produce porous mullite ceramics for subsequent firing at 1500 °C. Graphite powder, as sacrificial pore-forming agent, was also used to prepare porous mullite ceramics by the same processing conditions for comparison. The study found that the use of graphite powder was unable to increase the porosity of the mullite ceramics as a result of excessive shrinkage. It acted more as a sintering aid rather than as sacrificial pore-forming agent. On the other hand, addition of modified cenospheres as non-sacrificial pore-forming agent leads to the increment of both total porosity and closed porosity, with the reduction of open porosity. The results showed that with the addition of 40 wt% of modified cenospheres to the mullite precursor, the resultant porous mullite ceramic has a total porosity of 50.2%, thermal conductivity of 1.28 Wm−1K−1, linear shrinkage of 4%, and biaxial flexural strength of 45.9 MPa. Porous mullite ceramic with majority closed pores has potential application for high temperature thermal barrier.

Binary (1 − x)(TeO2) − x(PbO), x = 0, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30 mol% glass system was fabricated using melt quenching method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was employed to confirm the amorphous nature. The microanalysis of the major components was performed using energy dispersive EDX and X-ray spectrometry. Both the molar volume and the density were measured. FTIR and UV spectra were recorded at 400–4000 cm–1 and 220–800 nm, respectively. The optical band gap (Eopt), Urbach’s energy (Eu), index of refraction (n) were calculated using absorption spectrum fitting (ASF) and derivation of absorption spectrum fitting (DASF) methods. Molar refraction Rm and molecular polarizability have been calculated according to (ASF) method.

A binary (CuO)0.6 (CeO2)0.4 nanoparticles were prepared via thermal treatment method, using copper nitrate, cerium nitrate as precursors, PVP as capping agent and de-ionized water as a solvent. The structures, morphology, composition of the element and optical properties of these nanoparticles have been studied under different temperatures using various techniques. The XRD spectrum of the samples at 500 °C and above confirmed the existence of both monoclinic (CuO) and cubic fluorite (CeO2) structures. The findings of FESEM and TEM exhibited the average practical size and agglomeration increment with an elevation in the calcination temperature. The synthesized nanoparticles were also characterized by FTIR, which indicated the formation of binary Cu−O and Ce−O bonds. The EDX analysis was performed to indicate the chemical composition of the sample. The double energy band gaps of (CuO)0.6(CeO2)0.4 reduction with rising calcination temperature, can be referred to the enhancement of the crystallinity of the samples. PL intensity of (CuO)0.6(CeO2)0.4 nanoparticles peaks, which increased with the elevation of the calcination temperature to 800 °C was observed from the PL spectrum; this was due to the increment of the particle size that occurred.

In this work, waste coconut husk was explored as potential raw material for silica production. Coconut husk was burned in controlled environment inside electrical furnace at 500, 600 and 700 °C. These ashes were treated by using two different chemical treatments to extract the highest percentage of silica. XRF analysis of coconut husk ash (CHA) revealed that the content of SiO2 varies between 8 and 11% and increased up to 90% after chemical treatment. Based on the XRD spectrum, silica obtained was in crystalline form after acid treatment but was in amorphous form after the alkali treatment. The CHA morphology on FESEM images observed to be rod-like structure but changed to irregular shapes and started to agglomerate together after the chemical treatments. EDX results show good agreement with XRF data as the same elements detected during both analysis. Alternative source of high purity silica can be obtained from CHA and it has high potential in optoelectronic application.

Tellurite glass systems in the form of [ZnO]x [(TeO2)0.7-(PbO)0.3]1-x with x = 0.15, 0.17, 0.20, 0.22 and 0.25 mol% were prepared using the melt quenching technique. XRD of the prepared samples have been measured for all samples. Both FTIR (280–4000 cm−1) and UV-Vis (200–800 nm) spectra have been measured. Optical band gap and refractive index were calculated for every glass sample. Density of glass, molar volume and oxygen packing density (OPD) were obtained. Values of the direct, indirect band gap ranged were found in the range 3.41–3.94 eV and 2.40–2.63 eV with increasing of ZnO concentration. Refractive index 2.58 and dielectric constant 6.66 were heigh at 17 ZnO mol% concentration. Molar polarizability, metallization criterion, polaron radius have been calculated for every glass composition.

The impact of different sintering temperatures on physical, optical and structural properties of wollastonite (CaSiO3) based glass-ceramics were investigated for its potential application as a building material. Wollastonite based glass-ceramics was provided by a conventional melt-quenching method and followed by a controlled sintering process. In this work, soda lime silica glass waste was utilized as a source of silicon. The chemical composition and physical properties of glass were characterized by using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and Archimedes principle. The Archimedes measurement results show that the density increased with the increasing of sintering temperature. The generation of CaSiO3, morphology, size and crystal phase with increasing the heat-treatment temperature were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transforms infrared reflection spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average calculated crystal size gained from XRD was found to be in the range 60 nm. The FESEM results show a uniform distribution of particles and the morphology of the wollastonite crystal is in relict shapes. The appearance of CaO, SiO2, and Ca-O-Si bands disclosed from FTIR which showed the formation of CaSiO3 crystal phase. In addition to the calculation of the energy band gap which found to be increased with increasing sintering temperature.

Zinc silicate (ZnO-SiO2) glass was fabricated using melt-quench technique with compositions according to the empirical formula [(ZnO)x(WRHA)1-x] which x = 0.50, 0.55, 0.57 wt.%. These glass series acquire zinc oxide (ZnO) and white rice husk ash (WRHA) as silica source with two different melting temperatures of 1450 °C and 1500 °C. Temperature of 1450 °C and 1500 °C were chosen in this study because the lowest melting point of ZnO-SiO2 were at 1475 °C and by choosing a temperature within the range of 1475 °C a conclusive study on the best melting point using WRHA substituents can be done. Physical, structural and optical characteristics of fabricated glass samples were analyzed using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–vis (UV–vis). Optical band gap of the system was obtained by approaching the optical absorption techniques from the Mott-Davis methods. Results indicate that ZnO-SiO2 glass samples emerge in favors of direct and indirect forbidden transition and increase in ZnO causes a higher absorption thus resulting in lower band gap. Last but not least, in this study based on the increase of ZnO content, the glass samples which contains a higher amount of ZnO has a higher band gap as Zn2+ ions reacts as good network modifier in the glass structure and formed a better arrangement and structure compared to system which has less network modifier.

A series of ternary phosphate glasses in the form of (PbO)x(ZnO)60-x(P2O5)40 where x = 0–60 mol%, have been successfully prepared by conventional melt-quenching technique. The physical and elastic properties of the glasses have been investigated using pulse echo technique. The longitudinal and shear velocity of the glasses were measured using the MBS8000 ultrasonic data acquisition system at 10 MHz frequency in room temperature. The density, ultrasonic velocity and elastic moduli are found to be composition dependent and the correlation between the elastic moduli with the atomic packing density is discussed in detailed. The shielding parameters, mass attenuation coefficients, half value layers and exposure buildup factor (EBF) values have been computed using WinXCom program with the use of GP fitting method, and variation of shielding parameters are discussed for the effect of PbO addition into the glasses and photon energy. An increase in the density of the glasses results in a change in crosslink density. The sound velocity and elastic properties increased with PbO content and increase in Poisson's ratio trend suggests that the rigidity of the glasses has decreased. Besides, the replacement of ZnO by PbO causes an increase in mass attenuation coefficient, while the half value layer and the exposure buildup factor were decreased and these glasses has been potentially used as shielding material.

A novel environmental friendly strategy towards red phosphors in optoelectronic applications employing Pr6O11 doped SLS-ZnO with chemical composition x(Pr6O11)·100-x(SLS·ZnO) where x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 wt% via melt-quenching technique was successfully synthesized. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns of all these glasses show broad and diffused humps, which confirm the amorphous structure of samples. The Differential Thermal Calorimetry (DSC) indicated that the value of glass transition is higher from 625 °C to 637 °C with increasingly of Pr6O11 content. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR) spectra display a decreasing trend towards a smaller wavenumber with the increase of Pr content is due to the formation of non-bridging oxygen (NBO) in SLS-ZnO host matrix. The absorption spectra had revealed the most intense absorption band at ∼444 nm, which was assigned as excitation wavelength to determine the photoluminescence (PL) emission intensity of the glass. The indirect band gap values varies from ∼2.44 eV to ∼3.02 eV as a function of Pr6O11 concentration. The PL emission bands at ∼530 (blue), ∼556 (green), ∼613 (red) and ∼650 (red) nm increases from 0 wt% to 4 wt% and slightly decreases as Pr6O11 increases with a maximum at 5 wt%. Therefore, the SLS-ZnO doped with Pr6O11 as a good potential as red phosphors in an optoelectronic application in accordance with the highest red emission intensity at ∼613 nm and ∼650 nm.

An aqueous medium composed of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and cerium nitrates at calcination temperature was utilised in the production of cerium oxide (CeO2) semiconductor nanoparticles. A variety of analytical approaches was utilized to examine the structural, morphological and optical characteristics of the resulting nanoparticles. Differential thermal (DTA) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses, indicated that the best calcination temperatures for achieving CeO2 nanoparticle production were more than 485 °C. The results from Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) verified the formation of a crystalline structure after calcination procedures were performed to remove residual organic compounds. Additionally, results from X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the cubic fluorite structure of the CeO2 produced. Samples were also analysed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDXA) which indicated the existence of O and Ce in the samples. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used in the characterisation of nanoparticle morphological features. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to estimate typical nanoparticle and distribution within sample. This analysis indicated that mean particle sizes were inversely correlated with PVP concentration, with nanoparticle sizes ranging between 12 ± 7 nm at 0.03 g/mL PVP and 6 ± 2 nm at 0.05 g/mL PVP. These results corroborated those obtained by XRD analysis. A UV–vis spectrophotometer was utilised in the demonstration of optical properties and to examine the band gap energy of samples. The potential UV-shielding properties of the nanoparticles were demonstrated by the observed blue shift of the estimated optical energy band, i.e. from 3.35 to 3.43 eV, whilst PL spectra results indicated that decreasing particle size was associated with diminishing photoluminescence intensity.

Effects of post-deposition annealing at 400–1000 °C in ammonia (NH3) gas ambient towards physical and electrical characteristics of metal-organic decomposition derived CeO2 films spin-coated on n-type Si substrates were studied. The use of NH3 annealing as N and H sources has promoted nitridation and passivation occurring at interface between the CeO2 and Si. Mixed oxidation states (Ce4+ and Ce3+) were detected in the samples via the detection of CeO2 and Ce2O3 phases, confirmed using high resolution X-ray diffraction analysis, Raman, and Fourier Transform Infrared studies. An increase in nitridation effect with respect to temperature has impeded the formation of Ce2Si2O7 interfacial layer (IL) while the enhancement of passivation effect has triggered a decrease in interface trap density. Corresponding effects towards metal-oxide-semiconductor characteristics of the samples were discussed in details.

The phenomenon of relaxation in dielectric materials is described as one of the powerful tools to determine the behavior and properties of ion transport. The kinetics of ionic species and dipole in solid-state electrolyte are dependent on frequency, temperature, and dielectric relaxation. Li1+xTi2−xAlx(PO4)3 conducting solid state electrolyte with x = 0.3 was synthesized via conventional solid state technique using the raw materials Li2CO3, TiO2, Al2O3, and NH4H2PO4 as starting materials. TGA/DTG and X-ray diffraction measurements were carried out to study the thermal behavior and phases of the composition. It was observed from the TGA/DTA curves that there is no mass loss above 500 °C. The XRD peaks were observed to start appearing at 500 °C which corresponds to small peaks in TGA. It was also pointed out that at increasing sintering temperatures from 700 °C to 1000 °C the number of phases drastically decreased which is attributed to the complete chemical reaction. Temperature and frequency dependence of dielectric relaxation and electric modulus of the compounds were investigated at temperatures 30–230 °C and at frequencies of 40 kHz–1 MHz. The findings showed that the dielectric relaxation peaks shift to higher temperature as frequency increases and the change in ac conductivity with frequency is in agreement with Jonscher’s power law.

A low cost method was employed to synthesize ZnO-SLS:xEu3+ phosphors using recyclable bottle glass as silica source. The structural and optical properties of ZnO-SLS:xEu3+ (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 wt.%) glasses were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared reflectance (FTIR), UV-visible (Uv-Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Structural investigation using XRD measurement had broadened the halo peak with the doping of dopants. FTIR spectra showed the glass system consists of –OH and SiO4 bands. Meanwhile, the optical measurement using UV-Vis absorption has been induced a blue shift of the electronic absorption edge. The emission peak intensity of ZnO-SLS:xEu3+ phosphors was enhanced with the progression of doping concentration and thus, revealed their potential as red emitting phosphors under 400 nm excitation.

A series of ternary phosphate glasses in the form of 40(P2O5)–(60 − x)ZnO–xPbO and 50(P2O5)–(50 − x)ZnO–xPbO where x = 0–60 mol%, have been successfully prepared by conventional melt quenching technique. Both longitudinal and shear ultrasonic velocities were measured in different compositions of PbO using the MBS8000 ultrasonic data acquisition system at 10 MHz frequency and at room temperature. The ultrasonic velocity data, the density and the calculated elastic moduli are found to be composition dependent and discussed in terms of PbO modifiers. The correlation of elastic moduli with the atomic packing density of these glasses was discussed. To predict the compositional dependence of elastic moduli of this glass system, the interpretation of the variation in the experimental elastic behavior observed has been studied based on various of the bond compression and the Makishima–Mackenzie models.

New glass system of neodymium – doped zinc soda lime silica glass has been synthesized for the first time by melt-quenching of glass waste soda lime silica (SLS) with zinc oxide (ZnO) as precursor glass and Nd2O3 as dopant. In order to examine the effect of Nd3+ on the structural and optical properties, the prepared sample of structure [(ZnO)0.5(SLS)0.5](Nd2O3)x (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 wt%) was characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy (UV–Vis) and the photoluminescence (PL). XRD pattern justifies the amorphous nature of synthesized glasses. FTIR spectroscopy has been used to observe the structural evolution of ZnO4 and SiO4 groups. The UV–Vis-NIR absorption spectra reveals seven peaks centered at excitation of electron from ground state 4I9/2 to 4D3/2 + 4D5/2 (∼360 nm), 2G9/2 + 2D3/2 + 2P3/2(∼470 nm), 2K13/2 + 4G7/2 + 4G9/2 (∼523 nm), 4G5/2 + 2G7/2 (∼583 nm), 4F9/2 (∼678 nm), 4S3/2 + 4F7/2 (∼748 nm) and 4F5/2 + 2H9/2 (∼801 nm). PL spectra under the excitation of 800 nm display four emission bands centered at 531 nm, 598 nm, 637 nm and 671 nm corresponding to 4G7/2 → 4I9/2, (4G7/2 → 4I11/2, 4G5/2 → 4I9/2), (4G5/2 → 4I11/2) and (4G7/2 → 4I13/2, 4G5/2 → 4I11/2) respectively.

In this paper, Zn2SiO4:xEu3+ phosphors were synthesized with different concentrations of Eu3+ ions (x = 1, 3 and 5 wt.%) by using waste bottle glasses as silicate source. The structure, morphology, and luminescent properties of the phosphors were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The XRD analysis revealed that addition of dopant increased the crystallinity of the samples, and then were decreased dramatically when the dopant concentration further to 5 wt.%. The FESEM images showed the samples have irregular in shapes while their emission and excitation peak of Zn2SiO4:xEu3+ phosphor was observed at 600 and 400 nm, respectively.

Fabrication of a series of binary (PbO)x(P2O5)1−x lead phosphate glasses with various mole fractions (x = 0.1 to 0.6) was carried out using a conventional melt-quenching method. The glass density was measured by using Archimedes principle. The ultrasonic wave velocities (Vl and Vt) of the glasses were determined at room temperature by using a nondestructive test: the digital signal processing technique of the Ultrasonic Data Acquisition System (Matec 8020, Matec Instruments, USA). The experimental data for the wave velocities and densities were then used to determine the elastic properties in each series of lead phosphate glass systems: the longitudinal, shear, bulk and Young's moduli; Poisson's ratio; and the Debye temperature. Based on the results obtained, the longitudinal, shear, bulk and Young's moduli of the glasses increased with the addition of PbO content. The Poisson's ratio obtained remains almost constant, while the Debye temperature shows a continuous decrease with the addition of PbO content.

The microstructure evolution in several polycrystalline yttrium iron garnet samples as a result of a sintering scheme was studied in detail, in parallel with the changes in their magnetic properties. Samples with nanometer sized starting powder were synthesized by employing the High-Energy Ball Milling technique and then sintering toroidal compacts of the milled powder. Nine sintered samples were obtained, each corresponding to a particular sintering from 600 °C to 1400 °C. The samples were characterized for their evolution in crystalline phases, microstructure and magnetic hysteresis-loops parameters. The results showed an increasing tendency of the saturation magnetization and saturation induction with grain size, which is attributed to crystallinity increase and to reduction of demagnetizing fields in the grains. The variation in coercivity could be related to anisotropy field changes within the samples due to grain size changes. In particular, the starting appearance of room temperature ferromagnetic order suggested by the sigmoid-shaped B–H loops seems to be dependent on a sufficient number of large enough magnetic domain-containing grains having been formed in the microstructure. Viewed simultaneously, the hysteresis loops appear to belong to three groups with different magnetism-type dominance, respectively dependent on phase purity and three different groups of grain size distributions.

Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 has been synthesized using mechanical alloying method with two variables (milling time and ball-to-powder weight ratio (BPR)) were varied in order to study its effect on the magnetic properties of the material. The effects of these two variables were studied using XRD, SEM, TEM and later by impedance analyzer with the frequency range from 1 MHz to 1.8 GHz. The results obtained however show that there are no significant trends to relate the milling time and BPR with the permeability and losses of the material studied. After being sintered at 1150 °C, all the effects of alloying process seem to diminish.

The polycrystalline Ni–Zn ferrite powder with the chemical formula Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 has been synthesized using co-precipitation route. The toroidal and pellet form samples were sintered at various temperatures from 700 to 1300 °C/5 h in steps of 200 °C. The structures of samples were studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). The magnetic and dielectric measurements were carried out using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and the impedance analyzer, respectively. The highest density of 4.48 g cm−3 was obtained for the sample sintered at 1300 °C. It was found that the initial permeability increased from 4 to 17 and the RLF was in the order of 10−3 to 10−4 in the frequency range of 1.0 MHz to 1.0 GHz. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss were lower compared to the reported values for conventional solid state technique. The electrical resistivity is in the order of 108 Ω cm. Therefore, low relative loss factor and high resistivity make these ferrites particularly useful as inductor and transformer materials for high frequency applications.