Abstract
Heavy mineral and unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) based composite blocks were prepared for potential shielding of ionizing radiations. Locally available heavy minerals with Ilmenite, Magnetite, Garnet, Rutile, Zirconium contents were used to fabricate the composite blocks for the gamma photons with energies 0.662 MeV - 1.25 MeV. The shielding capacity was evaluated in terms of Half Value Layer (HVL), Tenth Value Layer (TVL), Sixteenth Value Layer (SVL), Linear attenuation coefficient, Mass attenuation coefficient, and reduced % of radiation intensity. The Ilmenite composite exhibits relatively good attenuation performance in the case of 0.662 MeV photons of Cs-137. On the other hand, Zirconium composite demonstrates relatively good attenuation capacity in the case of 1.25 MeV photons of Co-60 in comparison to the ordinary concrete block. The goal of this work is to explore some novel materials to be effectively used as gamma shielding options in radiation facilities at minimal cost.
Highlights
Ionizing radiation poses significant hazards to living organisms it has some good applications in socioeconomic development [1]
Several investigators have worked on the shielding properties of concretes and building materials, limited research works focused on the evaluation of the shielding properties polymer based composites materials
The objective of this study is to develop heavy mineral reinforced polymer composite materials for radiation shielding as well as generate a data base of attenuation parameters for these materials to facilitate the shielding design events
Summary
Ionizing radiation poses significant hazards to living organisms it has some good applications in socioeconomic development [1]. Numerous studies have been carried out on shielding materials, especially by using nanotechnology in cement-based materials Most of these shields are made from different types of concretes, such as ordinary concretes, heavy concretes (e.g., barite, serpentine, steel, magnetite, ilmenite, etc.) [8,9,10,11]. Now-a-days, combination of polymer and heavy mineral-based composites has become a versatile solution to reduce exposure for both gamma and neutron radiation [17,18,19]. The objective of this study is to develop heavy mineral reinforced polymer composite materials for radiation shielding as well as generate a data base of attenuation parameters for these materials to facilitate the shielding design events
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
