Could This Self-Healing Glass Revolutionize Radiation Protection?
Scientists have developed a form of glass that can repair itself after being damaged by gamma radiation. This new chalcogenide glass, observed by researchers, gradually returns to its original state at room temperature without external intervention.
The study, led by engineer Myungkoo Kang from Alfred University, highlights a material with potential applications in space environments and radioactive facilities where durable sensors are crucial.
Physicist Kathleen Richardson from the University of Central Florida explains, “People are increasingly interested in glasses with optical transparency similar to crystals like germanium. These glasses are engineered for various applications where germanium might traditionally be used.”
Chalcogenide glasses, which include elements like sulfur, selenium, tellurium, or polonium, are valued for their optical properties, especially in infrared sensing. Kang’s team developed this glass for satellite circuitry using precise amounts of sulfur, germanium, and antimony.
Richardson notes, “These glasses exclude oxygen, making them ideal for infrared applications. They are made from elements on the far-right side of the periodic table, creating infrared-transparent materials with large atoms and weak bonds.”
The researchers tested the glass by exposing it to gamma radiation using cobalt-60. This radiation caused microscopic defects by distorting the weak atomic bonds. Remarkably, after 30 days at room temperature, the glass healed itself.
Richardson explains, “Due to the large atoms and weak bonds, the glass can relax and reform its structure over time. The concept of self-healing glass means that when exposed to high-energy radiation, these bonds can recover and restore the structure.”
This breakthrough opens up exciting possibilities. The self-healing glass could potentially serve as a durable, reversible radiation sensor in extreme environments. Kang’s team plans to further develop this glass and explore other materials with similar self-healing properties.
Kang states, “Our future research aims to develop novel ceramics and advanced optical platforms, building on the significant impact of our findings on irradiation effects in chalcogenide ceramics.”
Source: Could This Self-Healing Glass Revolutionize Radiation Protection?
Nanotüplerdeki Su Geleceğin Teknolojisinin Anahtarı mı? Bilim İnsanları Ne Keşfediyor?
Nanotüplerdeki Su Geleceğin Teknolojisinin Anahtarı mı? Bilim İnsanları Ne Keşfediyor?