Effective Atomic Number Research Articles

Conversion of single-energy computed tomography to parametric maps of dual-energy computed tomography using convolutional neural network.

We propose a deep learning (DL) multi-task learning framework using convolutional neural network (CNN) for a direct conversion of single-energy CT (SECT) to three different parametric maps of dual-energy CT (DECT): Virtual-monochromatic image (VMI), effective atomic number (EAN), and relative electron density (RED). We propose VMI-Net for conversion of SECT to 70, 120, and 200 keV VMIs. In addition, EAN-Net and RED-Net were also developed to convert SECT to EAN and RED. We trained and validated our model using 67 patients collected between 2019 and 2020. SECT images with 120 kVp acquired by the DECT (IQon spectral CT, Philips) were used as input, while the VMIs, EAN, and RED acquired by the same device were used as target. The performance of the DL framework was evaluated by absolute difference (AD) and relative difference (RD). The VMI-Net converted 120 kVp SECT to the VMIs with AD of 9.02 Hounsfield Unit, and RD of 0.41% compared to the ground truth VMIs. The ADs of the converted EAN and RED were 0.29 and 0.96, respectively, while the RDs were 1.99% and 0.50% for the converted EAN and RED, respectively. SECT images were directly converted to the three parametric maps of DECT (ie, VMIs, EAN, and RED). By using this model, one can generate the parametric information from SECT images without DECT device. Our model can help investigate the parametric information from SECT retrospectively. Deep learning framework enables converting SECT to various high-quality parametric maps of DECT.

Study of optical, structural and radiation shielding properties of (55 − x)TeO2–20ZnO–25B2O3–xEr2O3 glass matrix

Abstract Erbium doped zinc boro-tellurite (EZBT) glass samples with molar composition of (55 − x)TeO2–20ZnO–25B2O3–xEr2O3 (x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mol.%) were prepared by a conventional melt quenching technique. The prepared samples were characterised using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy techniques to investigate the structural, optical and dielectric properties. To study the radiation shielding capabilities, the parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient (μ m), half-value layer (HVL), effective atomic number (Z eff) etc., were evaluated using WinXCom software. Judd–Ofelt analysis was carried out to determine the intensity of electronic transitions and other radiative transition parameters within the 4f shell of erbium ions. The μ m values in a range of (108.5–0.03) cm2 g−1 for energy range (0.01–10) MeV were obtained for 2.0 mol.% erbium-doped tellurite glass matrix. The μ m and HVL values were also compared with conventionally used ordinary concrete and specific lead borate glass at certain energies. The detailed investigation of this current EZBT glass matrix is very useful in the specific optical and radiation shielding applications of this EZBT glass.

Characterization of Normal Bone in the Equine Distal Limb with Effective Atomic Number and Electron Density Determined with Single-Source Dual Energy and Detector-Based Spectral Computed Tomography.

Single-source dual energy (SSDECT) and detector-based spectral computed tomography (DBSCT) are emerging technologies allowing the interrogation of materials that have different attenuation properties at different energies. Both technologies enable the calculation of effective atomic number (EAN), an index to determine tissue composition, and electron density (ED), which is assumed to be associated with cellularity in tissues. In the present prospective observational study, EAN and ED values were determined for 16 zones in normal subchondral and trabecular bone of 37 equine cadaver limbs. Using both technologies, the following findings were obtained: 1. palmar/plantar EAN zone values in the fetlock increased significantly with increasing age of the horse; 2. all EAN and ED values were significantly lower in the trabecular bone than in the subchondral bone of all phalanges; 3. in the distal phalanx and navicular bone, most EAN and ED values were significantly lower compared to the proximal and middle phalanx; and 4. some EAN and ED values were significantly different between front and hind limbs. Several EAN and ED values significantly differed between SSDECT and DBSCT. The reported EAN and ED values in the subchondral and trabecular bone of the equine distal limb may serve as preliminary reference values and aid future evaluation and classification of diseases.

Advancing Differentiation of Hepatic Metastases in Malignant Melanoma through Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Rho/Z Maps.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT)-based Rho/Z maps in differentiating between metastases and benign liver lesions in patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma compared to conventional CT value measurements. This retrospective study included 73 patients (mean age, 70 ± 13 years; 43 m/30 w) suffering from malignant melanoma who had undergone third-generation DECT as part of tumor staging between December 2017 and December 2021. For this study, we measured Rho (electron density) and Z (effective atomic number) values as well as Hounsfield units (HUs) in hypodense liver lesions. Values were compared, and diagnostic accuracy for differentiation was computed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Additional performed MRI or biopsies served as a standard of reference. A total of 136 lesions (51 metastases, 71 cysts, and 14 hemangiomas) in contrast-enhanced DECT images were evaluated. The most notable discrepancy (p < 0.001) between measured values and the highest diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing melanoma metastases from benign cysts was observed for the Z (0.992; 95% CI, 0.956-1) parameters, followed by Rho (0.908; 95% CI, 0.842-0.953) and finally HU120kV (0.829; 95% CI, 0.751-0.891). Conversely, when discriminating between liver metastases and hemangiomas, the HU120kV parameters showed the most significant difference (p < 0.001) and yielded the highest values for diagnostic accuracy (0.859; 95% CI, 0.740-0.937), followed by the Z parameters (0.790; 95% CI, 0.681-0.876) and finally the Rho values (0.621; 95% CI, 0.501-0.730). Rho and Z measurements derived from DECT allow for improved differentiation of liver metastases and benign liver cysts in patients with malignant melanoma compared to conventional CT value measurements. In contrast, in differentiation between liver hemangiomas and metastases, Rho/Z maps show inferior diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, differentiation between these two lesions remains a challenge for CT imaging.

Structural, elastic, thermo-physical and gamma radiation shielding efficiency of MnO2 doped TeO2-PbO-ZnO glasses

This paper presents the fabrication of glasses with chemical formula [(TeO2)0.70 – (ZnO)0.22 – (PbO)0.08] 1-x (MnO2)x where x = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.1 using melt quenching technique. The main objective is to explore the structural, elastic and gamma ray shielding efficiency of the glasses. The study was conducted using density and molar volume measurements, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared analysis, non-destructive ultrasonic analysis, and theoretical assessment of the glasses’ gamma ray shielding efficiency using the Phy-X/PSD software. High density values in the range of 5.611–5.735 gcm−3 and the XRD analysis showed no sharp peak indicating the amorphous nature of the glasses. The FTIR spectra revealed the presence of both TeO3 and TeO4 structural units. The values of the elastic moduli microhardness, Debye and softening temperatures, acoustic impedance, diffusion constant, Thermal expansion coefficient and latent heat of melting were studied and discussed among others. Efficiency parameters of radiation shielding such as the coefficients of mass and linear attenuation, effective atomic number, half and tenth value layers, mean free path and effective electron density were calculated theoretically and discussed. Based on the results discussed, the studied MnO2 doped TeO2-PbO-ZnO glasses appeared to be mechanically strong, and thermally stable for radiation shielding applications. Moreso, the glasses appeared to be better in terms of radiation shielding efficiency than commercial concrete materials like serpentine, barite, ferrite, and chromite.

Novel materials for radiation sensing in radiotherapy treatments: Development of luminescent YVO4:Eu3+ polymer-based nanocomposites

This scientific work explores the development of luminescent nanocomposite materials for radiation sensors in Fiber Optic Dosimetry (FOD). The study emphasizes the use of YVO4:Eu3+ as a scintillator material due to its high luminescent efficiency. However, the challenge arises from its higher effective atomic number compared to soft tissue. To address this issue, the work explores the dispersion of YVO4:Eu3+ as nanoparticles (NPs) in a biocompatible polymeric matrix, specifically considering poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA). Both PMMA/YVO4:Eu3+@TMSPM and PEGDMA/YVO4:Eu3+@TMSPM formulations were synthesized with minimal impact on the glass transition temperatures of the polymers. Under UV and beta particle excitation, these formulations exhibit emission spectra characteristic of Eu3+ f-f transitions. The decay times of the main emission peak at 620 nm were 615 μs, 584 μs, and 567 μs for the NPs, PEGDMA- and PMMA-based polymeric nanocomposites (PNCs), respectively. These decay times fall within the range suitable for scintillators in LINAC pulsed radiation facilities. Also, PEGDMA- and PMMA-based PNCs with varying contents of YVO4:Eu3+ NPs showed radioluminescence spectra under beta particle irradiation. This work demonstrates the feasibility of developing PEGDMA- and PMMA-based PNCs containing dispersed YVO4:Eu3+ NPs for their application as scintillators in radiotherapy dosimetry.

A blurring correction method suitable to analyze quantitative x-ray images derived from energy-resolving photon counting detector

Objective. The purpose of this study is to propose a novel blurring correction method that enables accurate quantitative analysis of the object edge when using energy-resolving photon counting detectors (ERPCDs). Although the ERPCDs have the ability to generate various quantitative analysis techniques, such as the derivations of effective atomic number (Z eff) and bone mineral density values, at the object edge in these quantitative images, accurate quantitative information cannot be obtained. This is because image blurring prevents the gathering of accurate primary x-ray attenuation information. Approach. We developed the following procedure for blurring correction. A 5 × 5 pixels masking region was set as the processing area, and the pixels affected by blurring were extracted from the analysis of pixel value distribution. The blurred pixel values were then corrected to the proper values estimated by analyzing minimum and/or maximum values in the set mask area. The suitability of our correction method was verified by a simulation study and an experiment using a prototype ERPCD. Main results. When Z eff image of aluminum objects (Z eff = 13) were analyzed without applying our correction method, regardless of raw data or correction data applying a conventional edge enhancement method, the proper Z eff values could not be derived for the object edge. In contrast, when applying our correction method, 82% of pixels affected by blurring were corrected and the proper Z eff values were calculated for those pixels. As a result of investigating the applicability limits of our method through simulation, it was proven that it works effectively for objects with 4 × 4 pixels or more. Significance. Our method is effective in correcting image blurring when the quantitative image is calculated based on multiple images. It will become an in-demand technology for putting a quantitative diagnosis into actual medical examinations.

Effect of gamma-irradiation on the photoluminescence of silver-doped lithium triborate glass.

Optical-luminescence properties, including absorption spectra, photoluminescence excitation spectra, and changes in photoluminescence spectra after irradiation with γ-rays in the dose range of 1-3Gy, were measured for novel L i B 3 O 5:A g dosimeter glass. A clear dependence of the intensity of the photoluminescence (PL), with a maximum of approximately 300nm, on the dose value when excited by light with λ e x c =220n m was observed. The mechanism of PL in γ-irradiated L i B 3 O 5:A g glass is proposed to be a consequence of radiation annihilation with the emission of relaxed exciton-like electronic excitations with the participation of impurity defects (A g 0) in the glass structure. Considering that L i B 3 O 5 has an effective atomic number of Z e f f =7.39, which is the closest to Z e f f =7.42 of human body tissue, L i B 3 O 5:A g glass can be very promising for γ-dosimetry in medical practice during radiation therapy of patients with cancer. The presence of lithium Li(6) and boron B(10) isotopes increases the sensitivity of L i B 3 O 5:A g glass to neutrons, which is promising for the manufacture of individual neutron dosimeters for applications in a new field of radiation therapy-neutron therapy.

Determination of Some Atomic Parameters for Aktaş, Çıldır Lake, and Kura River Water with the Help of WinXCom

In this study, elemental analyses of water samples taken from Aktaş, Çıldır Lake, and Kura River basins in Ardahan province were carried out using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The mass attenuation coefficients, total photon interaction cross sections, effective atomic numbers, and electron densities were determined with the help of WinXCom for the main gamma-ray energies released when Ra-226, which is an important source of natural radiation, decays into Rn-222, Bi-214, and Po-214.

Cadmium-modified iron lead borate glasses for radiation protection

Using cadmium-modified iron lead borate glasses with formula 30 B2O3 – 40 PbO – 10 Na2O – (20 -x) Fe2O3 – x CdO where x ranges from 0 to 20 mol%, this work aims to investigate the structural, physical, elastic, and radiation-shielding properties of practical economic radiation shields. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the amorphous nature of the samples. The results of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) demonstrate the formation of robust B–O–Cd linkages and diborocadmium ([B2CdO8]2−) structures, as well as the conversion from [BO3] to [BO4] structural units with increased CdO and the presence of PbO and Na2O as modifiers. The CdO function also plays a dual role as a former and as a modifier. The FTIR analysis showed that the material's elasticity and the CdO oxide concentration were directly correlated, suggesting that the glass system becomes stiffer as the CdO concentration increases. The study explores the effectiveness of radiation shielding and demonstrates that CdO-rich samples have higher effective atomic numbers and attenuation qualities.

Comprehensive study on structural, elastic and radiation shielding abilities of novel quaternary Bi2O3–TeO2–Li2O–Al2O3 glasses

Novel quaternary glasses with varying compositions of xBi2O3-(75–x)TeO2–20Li2O–5Al2O3 were synthesized using a melt-quenching method to analyze their physical, elastic properties and to evaluate their potential as radiation shielding materials. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and ultrasonic measurement were utilized to study those properties. The radiation shielding properties of the glass samples were determined for 0.01–10000 MeV photon energy range by using Phy-X/PSD software. The incorporation of Bi2O3, ranging from 0 mol% to 5 mol%, led to an increase in density which is measured by Archimedes' principle, ascending from 4.68 to 5.06 g/cm3. The longitudinal, bulk, shear, and Young's modulus, displayed a non-linear decline from 63.41 to 61.44 GPa, 33.52 to 33.20 GPa, 22.41 to 21.18 GPa, and 54.99 to 52.39 GPa. Furthermore, the inclusion of Bi2O3 up to x = 5 mol% produce mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of 14.892 cm2/g at x-ray energy of 40 KeV, surpassing that of commercial RS360 and RS520 radiation shielding glasses by 577% and 323%, respectively. When subjected to gamma ray of 662 KeV the MAC is 0.08 cm2/g which was also accompanied by a reduction in the half-value layer (HVL) to 1.58 cm where it surpassed the concrete by 38% and linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of 0.38 cm−1. The effective atomic number (Zeff) and effective electron density (Neff) reach maximum value of 59.74 and 7.88 × 1023 electrons/g at 0.02 MeV respectively. These results highlight the suitability of the glass composition with x = 5 mol% as an exceptional choice for employment as to shield against both X-rays and gamma rays.

Evaluation of TL and OSL signals of MgB4O7:Tm,Li prepared by the solution combustion method

Magnesium tetraborate (MgB4O7) doped with rare-earth elements is recognized for its suitability in thermoluminescence (TL) dosimetry due to its low effective atomic number (Zeff = 8.4) and the potential applications in neutron dosimetry. The study investigates the luminescent (TL and OSL) properties of MgB4O7 doped with thulium (Tm3+) and lithium (Li+). Samples were synthesized using the solution combustion method and TL and OSL responses were evaluated using a spectrometer and an automated OSL/TL reader. The emission lines of Tm3+ are consistent with previous literature, with Li+ enhancing TL and OSL responses. TL emission spectra unveil distinct bands corresponding to [Tm3+]* transitions. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy analysis carried out in unirradiated, irradiated and annealed samples.The results show that the signals corresponding to BO32− and O2− are seen upon irradiation and disappear after annealing at 200 °C, indicating the participation of these centers in the TL process. The results show that the TL response of MgB4O7:Tm,Li is much more sensitive to gamma radiation than MgB4O7:Tm, with a minimum detectable value of 0.084 mGy and a linear response with dose for the range studied, from 0 to 500 mGy, with R2 of 0.998.

Physical, Mechanical, and ionizing radiation shielding properties of 10PbO–10Na2O-(80-x)B2O3-xBaO glasses

This research explored the mechanical, physical, and ionizing radiation shielding properties of 10PbO–10Na2O-(80-x)B2O3-xBaO glass samples, where x = 10, 15, 20, and 25. The conventional melt-quench technique was employed to prepare the samples. The elastic moduli were investigated using the Makishima–Mackenzie model. At the same time, the radiation shielding properties involved a comprehensive analysis of the effective atomic number, linear attenuation and mass attenuation coefficients, half-value and tenth-value layers, radiation protection efficiency, and transmission factors, as well as the buildup factors for different mean-free paths (mfp). The impact of BaO (mol%) on the parameters mentioned above was investigated across a range of photon energies (0.015–15 MeV). In addition, the effect of BaO on the physical and mechanical properties of current glasses was studied. The addition of BaO showed an inverse impact on mechanical and physical properties, gradually reducing the glass's stability. In contrast, adding BaO to the compound enhanced photon attenuation ability, which means the sample with 25% BaO had the optimum capacity for radiation shielding amongst all the prepared samples. Moreover, the results demonstrated the complex interplay of Compton scattering, pair production, and the photoelectric effect, influencing the attention of photons. This work provides beneficial intuition into designing and optimizing glass-based radiation shielding materials.

Effect of PbO on mechanical and radiations shielding properties of 70P2O3–5Al2O3–25Na2O glass system: A theoretical study

This study investigates the mechanical as well as shielding properties of 70P2O3–5Al2O3-(25-x)Na2O-xPbO, while using advanced MCNPX simulations code and Phy-X software. Advanced MCNPX coding simulation and online Phy-X software are used to compare the properties of three aluminum lead phosphate glasses named S1, S2 and S3 with PbO concentrations 0, 10, and 20 mol%, respectively. Various shielding parameters were calculated in the photon energy ranging from 0 to 15 MeV. These parameters include mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number, half-value layer, tenth-value layer, mean free path and linear attenuation coefficient. Our comparative analysis of the results from MCNPX and Phy-X in the case of mass attenuation coefficient indicates a high level of agreement, differing by less than 2% from each other. The half-value layer for S3 was found at 0.003 cm, 1.709 cm, and 5.984 cm at energies of 0.01 MeV, 0.5 MeV, and 15 MeV, respectively, while for S1 these values were found at 0.010 cm, 3.35 cm, and 13.96 cm in the same energy spectra. The results show that S3, with 20% PbO, is more likely to attenuate the gamma and X-ray photons; due to their minimum values of tenth value layer, half value layer, mean free path, and greater mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number as compared to S1 (undoped) and S2 (10% doped with PbO). The mass attenuation coefficient for S3 was found between 67.95 cm2/g to 0.030 cm2/g, while for undoped S1, these values varied between 27.64 cm2/g to 0.021 cm2/g in the energy range of 0–15 MeV. Furthermore, the Makishima-Mackenzie model is utilized to evaluate the mechanical behavior of our glass samples, influenced by factors such as energy of dissociation and packing density related to components of oxide. The mechanical features encompass various moduli, Poisson's coefficient and microhardness. The introduction of PbO in glass samples S2 and S3 increased all these properties, excluding Poisson's coefficient which decreases with the addition of PbO. Our findings provide valuable insights into the shielding and mechanical parameters of these glasses, suggesting probable applications in fields such as optics and nuclear physics.

Radiation Shielding Performances and Spectroscopic Features of Replacement Materials Based on Reusing of Agricultural and Industrial Wastes

Environmental pollution increases due to the large amounts of waste production and raw material consumption depending on the increasing population. Agricultural and industrial wastes which are some of the sources of the pollution need to be reuse to reduce the negative impact on the environment and also con-tribute positive effect to the economy. In this context, industrial wastes such as clay types (red and green) and agricultural wastes such as egg shell, walnut shell and banana shell were used to prepare materials which can be used as replacement materials for construction industry. Radiation attenuation parameters (mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic number, linear attenuation coefficients, mean free path, half-value layer, exposure and energy absorption build up factors, fast neutron removal cross-section) were acquired by Phy-X/PSD code. Spectroscopic techniques (XRD, EPR, SEM-EDS) were performed for the structural analysis. The existence of calcite main phase peaks as well as SiO2 and cellulose phases were observed by XRD. Mn+2 sextet lines with five weak doublets attributed to the forbidden transition lines of Mn+2 and a singlet with a g value of ≈2.00 were recorded by EPR. All samples examined with good protection performances can be used as substitute materials instead of cement or aggregate for the aim of reusing the wastes and supporting the environmental and economic benefits.

PVC doped with BiNi0.1Fe0.9O3 nano-sized perovskites: Preparation, physical, dielectric properties as well as γ-ray absorption and buildup factors

In this work, multiferroic BiNi0.1Fe0.9O3 nanoparticles (NPs) has been fabricated by Sol-gel process, then six nanocomposities (NCs) sheets of PVC/x (BiNi0.1Fe0.9O3): x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 10.0 wt% were produced by means of the solution casting process. The produced sheets coded as pure PVC, PVC/0.5(BiNiFeO3), PVC/1.0(BiNiFeO3), PVC/3.0(BiNiFeO3), PVC/5.0(BiNiFeO3), and PVC/10.0(BiNiFeO3). X-ray diffraction (XRD), physical, dielectric properties, and γ-ray attenuation capacity have been investigated. The dielectric properties of the investigated NCs sheets were tested at 1 V with a range of frequencies from 50 Hz to 5 MHz. The Phy-X/PSD software used to calculate γ-ray shielding parameters. The density (ρ) of the prepared NCs sheets increased from 1.4051 ± 0.0001 g/cm3 to 3.2650 ± 0.0001 g/cm3. Up to 0.5 wt%, the actual part of permittivity decreased as the concentration of BiNiFeO3 NPs filler increased, but then increased as filler concentration raised. With an increase in applied field frequency, all prepared NCs sheets exhibited an increase in Ac conductivity. The sample coded as PVC/10.0(BiNiFeO3) possessed the highest values of mass-(MAC) and linear-(LAC) absorption coefficients. The half-value-layers (HVLs) decreased as the BiNiFeO3 NPs content increased in the samples. Correspondingly, (HVL)PVC/10.0(BiNiFeO3) < (HVL)PVC/5.0(BiNiFeO3) < (HVL)PVC/3.0(BiNiFeO3) < (HVL)PVC/1.0(BiNiFeO3) < (HVL)PVC/0.5(BiNiFeO3) < (HVL)Pure PVC. The effective atomic number (Zeff) has the same trend of MAC and LAC for all investigated sheets. PVC/10.0(BiNiFeO3) sheet possessed the lowest EBF and EABF values among all investigated sheets under study. Results showed that the investigated samples can be used as shields for γ-ray.

Layered Chalcogenide Scintillators Enabled by Reversible Hydrous-Induced Phase Transformation for High-Resolution X-ray Imaging.

Scintillation materials have been widely used in various fields, such as medical diagnosis and industrial detection. Chalcogenides have the potential to become a new generation of high-performance scintillation materials due to their high effective atomic number and good resistance to radiation damage. However, research on their application in radiation detection is currently very scarce. Herein, single crystals of rare earth ion-doped ternary chalcogenides NaGaS2/Eu were grown by a high-temperature solid-phase method. It exhibits unique characteristics of structure transformation by absorbing water molecules from the air. To maintain the anhydrous phase of the material, we have used a strategy of organic-inorganic composites of epoxy resin and NaGaS2/Eu to prepare devices for radiation detection and discuss the irradiation luminescence properties of the two phases. The anhydrous phase of NaGaS2/Eu demonstrates excellent sensitivity to X-rays, with a low detection limit of 250 nGy s-1, which is approximately 1/22 of the medical imaging dose. Additionally, composite flexible films were prepared, which exhibited excellent performance in X-ray imaging. These films enable clear observation of a wide range of objects with a high spatial resolution of up to 13.2 line pairs per millimeter (lp mm-1), indicating that chalcogenide holds promising prospects in the realm of X-ray imaging applications.

Gamma-ray shielding effectiveness, thermal, and dielectric properties of filler-reinforced high-density polyethylene/boron carbide composites

The present research prepared samples of pure high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/boron carbide reinforced with iron dioxide, aluminum dioxide, iron, and aluminum. The effectiveness of the prepared samples as a shielding material against gamma-rays and their thermal and dielectric properties have been evaluated. The shielding characteristics of the prepared composites were investigated theoretically using the Phy-X/PSD program and experimentally for gamma-rays emitted from 131Cs and 60Co radioactive isotopes. The shielding evaluation included the mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ), half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), atomic and electronic cross-sections (σa&σe), effective atomic number and electron density (Zeff &Neff), and exposure build-up factor (EBF). The EBF peaks of samples containing Fe and Fe2O3 are 103 times lower than pure HDPE. The results indicate that samples C2 and C3 have a higher ability to protect against gamma radiation than that of the other investigated samples. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) spectrum shows that adding B4C, Fe, Fe2O3, Al, and Al2O3 to HDPE caused an increase in its full width at half maximum (FWHM) value and a decrease in its average crystallite diameters (D) at its primary characteristic scattering angle of 21.49°. Adding multiple types of fillers to HDPE results in a minor shift in the melting temperature of the hosting matrix as proved from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data. The composite of HDPE/B4C/Al2O3 60/10/30 demonstrated the most significant values of dielectric parameters in comparison with the other composites, in good accord with the XRD results. The ac conductivity relied on the dopant type in the hosting matrix; the highest value was observed for HDPE/B4C/Al2O3 composite.

Experimental evaluation of electrospun ZnO/WO3/PVA-coated glass nanocomposites for a potential radiation dosimetry application

This research aimed to fabricate a potential radiation dosimeter using electrospun ZnO/WO3/PVA-coated glass nanocomposites. Samples with varying ZnO molarities (2.46, 3.69, 4.91, 5, and 7 M) and 5 wt% of WO3 collected at different times were examined. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) revealed favorable nanofiber morphology, although certain conditions produced larger nanofibers. The optical properties, analyzed via ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, exhibited varying responses in different samples with changes in nanofiber collection time. The calculated optical energy band gap (Eg) for all samples is lower than Eg of pure ZnO. Moreover, the effective atomic number (Zeff), calculated based on EDX results, did not approach Zeff of human tissues, in all samples in general. Crucially, all samples demonstrated a strong linear response and low energy dependence when subjected to different X-ray exposure settings, closely resembling an Al2O3-based OSL dosimeter. Sample E3, consisting of 7.00 M ZnO and 5 wt% of WO3 collected over 4 h, emerged as the most promising candidate for a radiation dosimeter. Prior studies neglected to examine the influence of different amounts of ZnO on the radiation dosimetry properties of ZnO/WO3/PVA nanofibers. In contrast, this study specifically investigated the radiation dosimetry properties of ZnO/WO3/PVA nanofibers. The exceptional properties of ZnO in response to X-rays, combined with the desired X-ray attenuation capabilities of WO3, make them a distinct option as substitute materials in radiation dosimeters. This research paves the way for an alternative dosimeter solution with robust radiation detection capabilities.

Optimization optical and radiation shielding properties via controlling the Hirshfeld topological constraints: A case study of carbonate-based crystals

This work explores the potential of carbonate-based ceramics (CBC) as materials for optical and radiation shielding applications. The results reveal the distinctive behavior of various CBC materials in shielding γ-rays. At an intermediate energy of E = 0.5 MeV, SiO2 has a MAC value of 0.087, whereas the MAC values for the CBCs are as follows: (CMs, MAC (g/cm2)): (CaCO3, 0.088), (MgCO3, 0.087), (SrCO3, 0.086), (BaCO3, 0.096), (ZnCO3, 0.086), (CdCO3, 0.091), and (PbCO3, 0.145). Also, the effective atomic numbers (Zeff) found to range from 11.03 to 78.82. These values surpass those of silicon dioxide (SiO2), highlighting the superior γ-ray attenuation capabilities of CBC. The work also delves also into the optical properties of CBC materials, highlighting the interplay between density (2.61 < ρ < 6.72 g/cm3), band gap energy (2.680<Eg < 5.050 eV), and refractive index (1.99254 < n < 2.48905). Furthermore, the study delves into the impact of charge density within Hirshfeld voids on these properties, revealing that as the interatomic interactions increase: 2.1% < O⋯C<26.8%, 9.3% < O⋯O<26.3%, or 63.3% < O … A2⁺<86.4% (A = Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd) due to higher charge density, thus the LAC and n values may tune among the studied CBC. The fine-tuning of topological and charge density distributions within the crystal's voids offers a promising avenue to optimize these materials for enhanced radiation shielding effectiveness or optical properties. This interplay between crystal structure, composition, charge distribution, Hirshfeld topological constraints as key factors in determining their radiation attenuation and optical capabilities was explored.