Effect of gamma irradiation on the density, glass transition temperature and electrical conductivity of lithium borosilicate glasses with alumina addition

Abstract Lithium borosilicate glasses (LBS) with alumina addition have been synthesized. The effect of gamma irradiation on the density, glass transition temperature (Tg) and electrical conductivity of these glasses has been studied. It has been observed that, the density and (Tg) of lithium borosilicate glasses decreases and electrical conductivity increases with addition of alumina. The formation of AlO 4 tetrahedra expands the lattice which explains the decrease in density and Tg. The increase in electrical conductivity has been attributed to the increase in (NBOs). With gamma irradiation the density and Tg increase due to formation BO 4 tetrahedra at the cost of AlO 4 resulting into compact and dense glass network. The electrical conductivity decreases after irradiation due to reduction in the number of NBOs and the formation of more closed network. There is a very good correlation among the density, Tg, FTIR and electrical conductivity for the glasses studied in the present work.