Elaboration of X-ray shielding of highly barite-loaded polyester concrete: structure, mechanical properties, and MCNP simulation

Abstract

Various research has been done in manufacturing and designing different types of radiation shielding. In this study, lead-free polymer composite panels with new special formulations have been prepared and characterized to prevent radiation leakage in medical facilities at the diagnostic energy range (60 – 120 keV). Polyester resin is used as a binder along with large amounts of mineral barium sulfate (barite) aggregate (more than 70 % by weight). SEM micrographs showed a homogeneous distribution of barite particles. Then the effects of adding barite on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of composite panels were investigated. The results showed that increasing the percentage of barite powder in the formulation, with the high wetting capability of polyester resin, improved physical and mechanical properties. The composite panel containing 80 wt% of barite had the highest tensile and flexure strength. Also the thermal stability of the composite panel containing 90 wt% of barite was 40 °C to 50 °C more than other samples. The samples' mass attenuation coefficient (μm) was calculated experimentally and theoretically using MCNP-5 simulation software and the XCOM program. Experimental and calculated results have been compared and were found to be in reasonable agreement. In general, with increasing barite content, the composite shielding panel became denser and μ increased while HVL and TVL values decreased. In addition, the studied shields were superior to lead by virtue of their non-toxic nature and will be a radiation shielding solution in making wall panels.