Sodium dodecatungstophosphate hydrate-filled polymer composites for nuclear radiation shielding

Abstract

This work is part of an ongoing project to produce environmentally friendly alternative radiation shielding materials for ionizing radiation facilities such as medical and industrial areas. As a new shield, a series of Sodium Dodecatungstophosphate Hydrate (Na3PO4.12WO3.H2O) doped polymer composite materials with different additives have been successfully produced. The hypothesis is highlighted by the positive effect of Na3PO4.12WO3.H2O supplement for nuclear radiation shield efficiency. The nuclear shielding performance of the new polymer composite materials produced was calculated using the WinXcom theoretical program at different energies. The results obtained were compared with the results calculated using the MCNP-X simulation program. In addition, a wide range of shielding parameters for gamma, neutron, proton and alpha radiation. For gamma radiation, mass attenuation coefficients (μm), half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), linear attenuation coefficients (LAC), effective atomic number (Zeff), exposure (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factors (EABF), dose multiplication factor (K(E,X)), the radiation protection efficiency (RPE) were evaluated; for neutron radiation, fast neutron removal cross sections (ΣR) was calculated; for proton and alpha radiation, Proton mass stopping power (ΨP), proton projected range (PR - ΦP), alpha mass stopping power (ΨA) and alpha projected range (PR - ΦA) have been determined. Among the mentioned shielding parameters, lower values of HVL, TVL, MFP, EBF, EABF, MSP, PR and high μm, Zeff, ΣR imply that the composite material has better shielding properties. According to the obtained results, it is reported that the NPW20 coded sample's ability to attenuate gamma and charged particle radiation more efficiently than that of other prepared composites. NPW05 coded sample was found to be more suitable for neutron shielding capability.