Estimation of gamma radiation shielding qualification of newly developed glasses by using WinXCOM and MCNPX code

Abstract

In this study, the gamma photons shielding parameters of the newly produced (NG1, NG2, NG3 and NG4) and widely used (Window, PbO, Soda and Borosilicate glasses) glass samples were evaluated comparatively. Mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) of the samples under study are computed by MCNPX simulation code and compared to WinXCOM results in the energy range 0.015–15 MeV. Additionally, half value layer (HVL), effective atomic numbers (Zeff) and electron densities (Nel) of the samples were calculated by the obtained results from WinXCOM and MCNPX. Among the prepared samples, NG4 glass has highest values of μ/ρand Zeff, lowest values of Nel and HVL. On the other hand, the μ/ρ and Zeff values are minimum, Nel and HVL are maximum for Window and Soda glasses. Also, the exposure buildup factor (EBF) values of the samples were evaluated by using the Geometric progression (GP) method. The results revealed that PbO and NG4 have lowest values for EBF in the intermediate energy region, while buildup of photons is more for Soda glass. In general, newly produced glasses, especially NG4 and NG1, are capable of good radiation absorption. Compared to PbO glass, NG4 has lower density, but still shows radiation shielding near the lead oxide glass.