Effect of gamma irradiation on the electrical conductivity of ternary borate glasses

Electrical conductivity was measured for some ternary borate glasses before and after being subjected to a specified gamma rays dose. Electrical conductivity data revealed that introducing alumina to the Li2O·B2O3 glass increases at the first addition followed by continuous decrease of the conductivity with the increase of Al2O3 content. The data also showed that the electrical conductivity increases with temperature and with irradiation. Infrared absorption spectra of the same glasses were measured from 200 to 4000 cm−1 to clarify the structural groupings present in such glasses. The absorption bands are related to characteristic structural BO3 and BO4 groups together with far-infrared bands due to vibrations of Li+ cations. Interpretation of the experimental data is advanced taking in consideration the conduction mechanism in oxide glasses and the freedom of lithium cations to move freely in the glass structure. Also the effect of Al2O3 is considered and evaluated. The effect of gamma radiation is discussed in relation to the possible creation of radiation damage in such glasses.