Half Value Layer Values Research Articles

Understanding radiation shielding performance through a comparative study of half value layer in novel and preexisting silicate glasses

This study focuses on evaluating the PbO-SiO2-B2O3-Na2O glasses' radiation shielding ability against various previously tested materials to gain an in-depth understanding of the glass system's attenuation capabilities. The glass system is composed of xPbO-(30-x)SiO2-50B2O3-20Na2O, where x = 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mol%. As a standardized measure of comparison, the samples' half value layer (HVL) values were chosen to understand the space-efficiency of each material. The values were compared at 0.356 MeV, an energy shared across all the investigated materials. When evaluating the HVL values, the study found that glass system with higher PbO content had a lower HVL, meaning that the glass with 25 mol% HVL had the most desirable shielding thickness at 0.356 MeV. The investigated glasses have lower HVL values than calcium-lithium-borosilicate glasses doped with praseodymium oxide, and glasses containing SiO2, Al2O3, Li2O, MgO, ZnO, ZrO2, and SnO2 at varying concentrations. Additionally, when comparing the glasses against the various other materials, it was found that the tested materials overall performed well, especially those with greater PbO content.

Radiation shielding properties of gold nanoparticle-dispersed bismuth borate glasses using Phy-X/PSD software

With the increasing use of radioactive materials in various sectors, effective radiation shielding has become a critical concern. The present study explores the potential of bismuth borate glasses doped with gold nanoparticles for gamma-ray shielding applications. Glass samples with a base composition of 30Bi2O3:70B2O3, containing varying concentrations of 10 nm gold nanoparticles, were synthesized using the melt quenching technique. The physical and morphological properties of the samples were characterized, confirming the presence of uniformly dispersed gold nanoparticles of size (4 nm) smaller than the size of precursor nanoparticles. Shielding parameters, including mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half value layer (HVL), ten value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Zeff), were analyzed using the Phy-X/PSD program. Results showed that the obtained highest MAC value is 155.864 cm2/g which is superior to other reported materials. The HVL and TVL values increased with the increase in energy range, indicating effective gamma-ray shielding potential. These findings suggest that optimizing the dispersion and concentration of gold nanoparticles in bismuth borate glasses could enhance their performance as radiation shielding materials, making them promising candidates for various applications.

Influence of doping soda-lime-silica glasses with Gd2O3, In2O3, and La2O3 on the enhancing of their physical, opto-mechanical and radiation shielding properties

A series of soda-lime-silicate glasses doped Gd2O3, In2O3, and La2O3 rare earth ions was prepared using the melt-quenching technique. The prepared glass samples are designed depending on a chemical composition of (15-X)Na2O – 30CaO – 55SiO2 –XM2O3, where X = 1.0 mol% and M = Ga (NCSG), In (NCSI), and La (NCSL). The amorphous state of the synthesized samples confirmed by XRD analysis, and structural changes were studied via density (ρg), molar volume (Vm), Oxygen molar volume (Vo), and Oxygen packing density (OPD). The mechanical and shielding attenuation parameters of the produced glasses were also projected. The ρg of prepared glasses increased from 2.742 to 2.829 g/cm3 as a result of M2O3-dopant with high molecular weight rare earth oxides. Whereas, the physical parameters Vm, Vo, and OPD were behave in the same trend. Elastic moduli were improved when Na2O replaced with M2O3. The M2O3/Na2O replacement led to increase stiffer and rigidity of the prepared glasses. The NCSL sample was possessed the lowest optical energy band (Eopt.) values (3.45 eV and 2.63 eV for direct and indirect transitions). The NCSL glass sample possessed the highest mass (MAC) and linear (LAC) absorption capacity. In addition, the same glass sample verified the lowest values of half-value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP). Thus, the sample coded as NCSL sample including La2O3 is a superior for optical and radiation shielding capacities among all studied glasses. Therefore, the studied glasses can be applied for several optical and radiation shielding applications.

Gamma ray shielding ability of Y3+ doped borophosphate glasses

Abstract Four selected Y2O3 doped borophosphate glass samples are prepared using melt quench technique. The structural properties such as density and molar volume are measured. The density (ρ) increases from 3.1384 to 3.4613 g/cm3 whereas molar volume (Vm) decreases from 60.84 to 55.00 cm3 mol−1 with addition of Y2O3 cm3 mol−1 content. The lattice of the glasses has been tested via X-ray diffraction which is a good technique for confirming the structural properties of these glasses and FTIR spectra. In addition, radiation shielding parameters for glasses were performed theoretically utilizing XCOM program for various gamma ray energy and experimentally using NaI(Ti) scintillation detector, The glasses were irradiated using energies 0.664, 1.174 and 1.334 MeV emitted by Cs-137 and Co-60 radioactive point sources respectively. Shielding parameters as leaner (μ), mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) and half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL) and mean free path (MFP). The concentration of Y2O3 increases the (μ/ρ) increases, the HVL, TVL, and MFP values have inverse way. Superior radiation shielding is confirmed by the glass sample containing (3%, mole) of yttrium oxide. The results show that the borophosphate glasses doped with Y2O3 can be used to shield gamma rays.

Scaling up features of photocatalytic degradation and radiation shielding of multicomponent Cr–Co–Zn nanoferrites

Optical, photocatalytic activity, and radiation shielding studies were conducted on CrxCo0.8Zn0.2Fe2-xO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1, Δx = 0.02) nanoferrites for water treatment and radiation shielding applications. The optical absorption analysis revealed that the optical band gap energy values range from 1.864 to 1.803 eV as assessed through Tauc plots. Further analysis of photocatalytic degradation showed that the Cr0.06Co0.8Zn0.2Fe1.94O4 sample exhibited superior methylene blue (MB) dye removal compared to other samples, with an efficiency of 96.74% in 60 min. Additionally, the present nanoferrites exhibited excellent stability in photocatalytic degradation over multiple cycles. The study also investigated the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of the current ferrite nanoparticles, demonstrating increased LAC values with higher Cr content, while the half value layer (HVL) diminished with further Cr concentration. The HVL values indicated the potential efficacy of our nanoferrites as radiation shields when compared to standard radiation shielding materials. Overall, this research suggests a new direction for optimizing spinel nanomaterials for applications in water treatment and radiation shielding.

A critical assessment of the mechanical strength and radiation shielding efficiency of advanced Concrete composites and Vanadium Oxide-Glass container for enhanced nuclear waste management

The nuclear industry produces large quantities of low, intermediate, and high levels of radioactive waste, all of which require safe management during both transport and storage. This study evaluates the radiation shielding effectiveness and mechanical properties of four distinct container materials: Pb Composite Glass, 0.5 Cement-0.5 Bitumen, Concrete (Steel-Magnetite), and C9 (BCBV0.5) Vanadium Oxide-Glass. Using Monte Carlo simulations and theoretical methods, we determined the Transmission Factors (TF) and Half-Value Layers (HVL) for each material. The TF indicates the effectiveness of a material in attenuating radiation, calculated by the ratio of gamma rays exiting the material to those entering it. Lower TF values signify better radiation shielding. The HVL is the thickness of material required to reduce the intensity of gamma rays by half, with lower HVL values indicating more effective shielding. Concrete (Steel-Magnetite) demonstrated superior performance with the lowest TF values (e.g., 1.0 × 10-1 at 0.662 MeV and 1 cm thickness) and HVL values (e.g., 2.5 cm at 1.3325 MeV), alongside a high elastic modulus of 163.15 GPa, indicating its robustness for high-energy gamma-ray applications. Pb Composite Glass also showed strong performance with a TF of 9.5 × 10-2 at 0.662 MeV and 1 cm thickness, an HVL of 2.0 cm at 0.662 MeV, and an elastic modulus of 41.54 GPa. The C9 (BCBV0.5) Vanadium Oxide-Glass, with an elastic modulus of 73.79 GPa, outperformed the 0.5 Cement-0.5 Bitumen mixture in both TF (e.g., 1.15 × 10-1 at 0.662 MeV and 1 cm thickness) and HVL (e.g., 4.2 cm at 1.1732 MeV) measurements, highlighting its potential as a more effective alternative. It can be concluded that C9 (BCBV0.5) Vanadium Oxide-Glass presents promising properties for future advancements in radiation protection, warranting further research and optimization.

Unveiling the potential of Nd2O3 in optimizing the radiation shielding performance of B2O3–TiO2–BaO–ZnO-Nd2O3 glasses

This research focuses on the preparation of a new glass system designed specifically for applications in radiation shielding materials. These glasses are based on the general formula (56-x)B2O3–10TiO2–8BaO–27ZnO-(x-1)Nd2O3, where x takes the values of 2, 4, 6 and 8 mol%. For the examination of the designed glasses' radiation attenuation performance, Phy-X software was used, which is a useful approach for predicting the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), the half value layer (HVL), and effective atomic number. The LAC decreases from 1.489 cm−1 to 0.551 cm−1 for the glass with x = 1 mol%, while the glass with 7 mol% Nd2O3 saw a decrease in the LAC from 2.483 cm−1 to 0.718 cm−1. Introducing Nd2O3 increases the glasses' LAC, suggesting enhanced radiation shielding performance. Also, Nd2O3 addition influences the HVL within the glasses, with higher content reducing the HVL. At 0.122 MeV, the HVL and tenth value layer (TVL) are 0.456 and 1.546 cm, respectively. At 0.245 MeV, the TVL is about 3.32 times higher than the HVL. The lowest mean free path (MFP) is found at 0.122 MeV, which varies between 0.672 cm for Nd1 and 0.403 cm for Nd4.

Cr-substituted Mn–Zn ferrite nanoparticles: A study of optical, photocatalytic degradation, and radiation shielding evolution

In this work, we investigate the impact of chromium (Cr) additives on the optical, photocatalytic degradation and the radiation attenuation features of chromium-manganese (Mn)-zinc (Zn)-based spinel nanoferrite (named MZCF-nanoferrites. The Kubelka-Munk approach of reflectance results and Tauc's plots were exploited to verify the energy gap (Eg) of the MZCFx ferrite nanoparticles. The nanoferrites MZCF0, MZCF1, MZCF2, MZCF3, MZCF4, and MZCF5 have Eg values 1.826, 1.811, 1.797, 1.784, 1.772, and 1.769 eV, respectively. The comparative study of the photocatalytic degradation for the optimal (Mn0.8Zn0.2Cr0.1Fe1.9O4) nanoferrite sample and many reported photocatalytic materials evidenced that the MZCF5 nanoferrite has methylene blue dye removal ability higher than those materials (96.38 %, in 60 min). Moreover, this comparative study showed the improved photocatalytic degradation stability performance of the present nanoferrites (just 1.65 % efficiency was decreased after five cycles). The present study proposes a novel approach toward spinel nanoferrites, focusing on the optical and photocatalytic characteristics of the MZCFx-nanoferrites that can be applicable in water treatment fields. Examining linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of MZCFx-nanoferrite at 0.662 MeV, we observe increased LAC values 0.286 cm−1 to 0.344 cm−1 with increasing Cr additions. Conversely, the half value layer (HVL) values at 0.662 MeV decreased 2.421 cm–2.017 cm with increasing Cr additions. By comparing the HVL values of the MZCFx-nanoferrites at 0.662 MeV to some selected radiation shielding materials, the HVL of the MZCFx-nanoferrites showed smaller values. These findings offer promising perspectives for optimization of spinel nano materials for use in radiation shielding applications.

Synergistic effects of Gd2O3 and SiO2 in enhancing the acoustic, mechanical, and shielding qualities of borate glasses

This study comprehensively analyzes the gamma radiation shielding, mechanical, and acoustic properties of novel glass composites formulated from B2O3, SiO2, and Gd2O3. Utilizing the MCNPX simulation code and Phy-X: PSD software, key parameters such as Linear Attenuation Coefficient, Half Value Layer (HVL), Mean Free Path (MFP), and Effective Atomic Number (Zeff) were meticulously evaluated for three distinct glass compositions, denoted as GL-1, GL-2, and GL-3. The investigation revealed that incorporating Gd2O3 and SiO2 notably enhances the radiation shielding efficiency of these glasses, which is evident from the decreasing trends in HVL and MFP values across the series. Employing the Makishima and Mackenzie (MM) model, this study further delved into the mechanical and acoustic characteristics of the glass samples. An increase in Gd2O3 and SiO2 content, substituting B2O3, was observed to augment the bond dissociation energy and adjust the packing density, consequently improving the elastic moduli. These mechanical enhancements were quantified through measurements of Young's modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus, and longitudinal modulus. Acoustic properties were also calculated, including Longitudinal and Transverse velocities, mean velocity, and acoustic impedance. These parameters demonstrated a consistent improvement correlating with the increasing rigidity and mechanical strength of the glass samples, particularly for the GL-3 composition. The study concludes that the GL-3 glass sample exhibits superior performance regarding gamma photon attenuation, mechanical robustness, and acoustic properties. This underscores its potential as an effective material for radiation shielding in various industrial applications, benefiting from its enhanced mechanical and acoustic features.

Photon shielding properties of oxyfluoride aluminophosphate glass added with Sb2O3 by using PHITS Monte Carlo simulation and experimental methods

The glass formula (65-x)P2O5–5CaF2–10NaF–10KF–10AlF3-xSb2O3 (x = 0, 5, 10, 15 mol%) were produced by melt quenching technique for photon shielding application. The present glasses were investigated for the physical, structural, optical, gamma ray and x-ray shielding properties. The results revealed that the density increased when concentrations of Sb2O3 increased, the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) results illustrated the functional groups of vibrations, and confirmed the amorphous behavior, respectively. The transmission spectra of present glasses showed higher transparency than x-ray windows. The comparative studies of gamma-ray between experiment and theoretical, the mass attenuation coefficients (MAC), effective atomic number (Zeff), and effective electron density (Neff) were increased with increasing concentration of Sb2O3. On the other hand, the half value layer (HVL) was decreased. The energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) and exposure buildup factor (EBF) of dopant Sb2O3 in present glass were calculated and discussed in terms of energy and concentration of Sb2O3. As a result of using the X-ray source, the HVL was decreased with a rise in Sb2O3 contents. HVL value at 15 mol% of Sb2O3 concentration is higher than the standard materials at 120 kVp. The Sb2O3 glass systems can be a candidate for radiation shielding material.

Characterization of X-ray Beam for Half and Quarter Value Layers

Introduction: The aim of this work is to assess the penetrating ability of an X-ray beam through a specific material, in conditions of narrow-beam geometry. Materials and Methods: During the experiment, samples were switched with the X-ray tube turned off, and the primary intensity of the unshielded X-ray beam (fixed 2.5mm shielding) was measured. Parameters were kept constant throughout, and the electrometer was used to stabilize the readings. Subsequent measurements aimed to determine the Half-Value Layer (HVL) and Quarter-Value Layer (QVL) by interpolating various sample slices to achieve intensity values of I/2 and I/4, respectively. The data were used to plot and analyze HVL and QVL graphs, providing insights into the attenuation properties of the X-ray beam through different materials. Findings of the result: The primary findings indicated that the initial unshielded X-ray beam intensity, with parameters set to 37.5 kV and 40 mA, provided a stable baseline measurement. The results showed a consistent decrease in intensity with increased sample thickness, confirming the exponential attenuation of X-rays. The HVL was determined by identifying the sample thickness that reduced the initial intensity by half, and the QVL by the thickness reducing it to one-fourth. The experimental data closely followed theoretical predictions, with HVL and QVL values providing a quantitative measure of the material's attenuation properties. Conclusion: Graphical analysis of the results demonstrated clear linear relationships on a semi-logarithmic scale, validating the accuracy of the measurement process and the reliability of the electrometer readings. These findings contribute to a better understanding of X-ray attenuation in different materials, which is crucial for various applications in medical physics and radiography.

Radiation shielding properties of shotcrete containing different aggregates

In this study, the physical and mechanical properties of wet mix shotcrete produced using crushed stone aggregate (CS), ferrochrome slag aggregate (FS), and barite (B) aggregate have been investigated. Furthermore, the radiation shielding properties have been determined experimentally, theoretically, and through simulation. A control sample was produced using 50 % CS and 50 % FS. Subsequently, shotcrete groups were produced by substituting B aggregate at replacement rates of 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, and 100 % instead of FS. The mechanical properties such as density, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength of the produced spray concrete groups were investigated. Additionally, experimental radiation shielding measurements were conducted using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector system with emissions from four different radioactive sources (133Ba, 137Cs, 60Co, and 22Na) spanning nine different gamma energies ranging from 276.5 to 1332.5 keV. As a result of the experimental measurements, the linear attenuation coefficients (μ) of the shotcrete samples were obtained. A proportional increase in μ was determined with increasing barite content. Using the experimental mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) results, half-value layer (HVL) and tenth-value layer (TVL) thicknesses, as well as mean free path (MFP) values, were calculated. An increasing B aggregate ratio did not have a significant effect on the μ/ρ value, while an increase was observed in the HVL, TVL, and MFP values. Moreover, the WinXCOM interface was employed for theoretical calculations, and the FLUKA Monte Carlo code was utilized for simulation calculations. The obtained data were compared with experimental results, revealing a good agreement between them. Based on the obtained data, it was concluded that increasing the B aggregate ratio resulted in improvement in mechanical properties compared to the control sample, and additionally, it was determined that B aggregate-added shotcrete is an effective gamma radiation shielding material.

Ce3+ doped zinc manganese ferrite nanoparticles: Tuned mechanical, dielectric and radiation shielding characteristics

In this paper, the impact of cerium (Ce) additives on the structural, electrical and radiation attenuation characteristics of cerium zinc (Zn)- manganese (Mn)-based spinel nanoferrite, named ZMCeF-nanoferrite was investigated. Our investigation involved a thorough examination of the morphology and distribution of the ZMCeF-nanoferrite utilizing HR-TEM analysis, which revealed showcasing the distinctive spherical morphology of the nanoparticles along with observations of their aggregation tendencies. These findings are ascribed to the heightened magnetic interactions between the ZMCeF-ferrite nanoparticles. The ZMCeF5 nanoferrite demonstrates an optimal dielectric constant value compared to the free Ce ferrite composition, exhibiting an enhancement ratio of 109 %. Additionally, it showcases optimal conductivity, with an upgrading ratio of 780 %, and minimal loss, with an enhancing ratio of 3.5 %. Moreover, the elastic moduli of the ZMCeF5 sample exhibited a marked increase as the Ce content increased. Upon examining the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of ZMCeF-nanoferrite across three energy regions, we note a trend of increased MAC values corresponding to higher Ce additions. In contrast, the half-value layer (HVL) values decrease as Ce additions increase. Comparing the HVL values of the current ZMCeF-nanoferrite with those of selected radiation shielding material, we find that HVL of the ZMCeF-nanoferrite exhibits smaller values. These findings present promising prospects for optimizing spinel nanomaterials for use in radiation shielding applications.

Experimental, theoretical, and Monte Carlo simulation study of radiation shielding properties of La2O3-Added lithium borate glasses

The La2O3-added lithium borate glasses in the composition of (80-x)B2O3: xLa2O3: 10Li2O: 10Al2O3 (x = 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mol%) were prepared by the melt quenching process. The gamma-ray shielding properties of glasses were measured experimentally at various gamma-ray energies acquired from sources of 133Ba, 137Cs, and 60Co and compared with the FLUKA Monte Carlo simulation. FLUKA was also utilized for investigation and compared with the theoretical values obtained using the WinXCom program across the energy range from 0.015 MeV to 15 MeV. The mass attenuation coefficient (μm), effective atomic number (Zeff), effective electron density (Neff), mean free path (MFP) and half-value layer (HVL) were reported. From the results, it was found that adding La2O3 to the glass structure increased μm, Zeff, and Neff, while MFP and HVL decreased. The glasses exhibited the lowest HVL value, indicating improved shielding ability when compared with some shielding materials. PHITS has been utilized to simulate the variations in the absorbed dose resulting from interaction of protons within the modelled phantom. These findings demonstrate the suitability of La2O3-added lithium borate glasses as radiation shielding materials.

Assessment of radiation shielding capability of a high-density TeO2–Tl2O–Ag2O glass system: A simulation and theoretical studies

We investigated the shielding properties of four selected glass samples among the 66 samples. These glass samples had the following compositions and densities: S1 (55TeO2+45Ag2O, density 6.28 g/cm3), S2 (55TeO2+5Tl2O+40Ag2O, density 6.37 g/cm3), S3 (50TeO2+15Tl2O+35Ag2O, density 6.49 g/cm3), and S4 (40TeO2+55Tl2O+35Ag2O, density 7.20 g/cm3). These glasses exhibit high density. We compute the mass attenuation and linear attenuation coefficients for these samples using MCNPX simulations and Phy-X software between 0.001 MeV and 15 MeV energy range. The derived mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) enables the calculation of key radiation shielding metrics. The tenth value layer, the half value layer (HVL), the mean free path (MFP), and the effective atomic number (Zeff) were also determined. Values of LAC values for S1, S2, S3 and S4 glasses span 244.91 to 0.24932 cm⁻1, 319.52 to 0.2625 cm⁻1, 447.24 to 0.28491 cm⁻1 and 379.480 to 0.273 cm−1, respectively. Correspondingly, HVL values range from 0.0028 to 2.78005 cm, 0.0021–2.6403 cm, and 0.00154–2.4327 cm and 0.002135–2.917403 cm for S1, S2, S3 and S4 glasses, respectively. Our findings reveal that results from both MCNPX and Phy-X exhibit consistency, supported by computed relative differences. Notably, the glass sample with a relatively higher TlO2 concentration demonstrates superior shielding properties across the entire energy spectrum. Importantly, these glass samples can significantly lower the strength of the x-rays and γ-rays.

Synthesis and Gamma-ray Shielding Efficiency of Borosilicate Glasses Doped with Zinc Oxide: Comparative Study

This study examined the suitability of several glass compositions as a gamma-ray shielding substance. The compositions tested were of varying ZnO concentrations, specifically (60-x) B2O3—10Na2O—15SiO2—5Al2O3—(x + 10)ZnO (where X = 5, 10, 15 and 20 mol%). Measurements were performed at energy levels of 0.6642, 1.1776, and 1.3343 MeV radiated from Cs137 and Co60 point sources along with a scintillation detector [NaI(TL)]. We investigated the critical properties related to gamma radiation shielding, determining the effective atomic number (Zeff), electron density (Nel), half-value layer (HVL), linear attenuation (μ) and mass attenuation (μm) coefficients, and mean free path (λ). Our results show that the glasses under examination get denser (from 2.12 to 2.77 g/cm3) as the Zn concentration rises from 15 to 35 mol %. In addition, all glass compositions provide adequate protection against gamma radiation at the specified energy levels. The values of µ went up from 0.157 to 0.214 cm−1 (0.6642 MeV), from 0.119 to 0.160 cm−1 (1.1776 MeV), and from 0.114 to 0.151 (1.3343 MeV). For samples B1 and B4, the observed HVL values dropped from 4.41, 5.84, and 6.12 cm to 3.21, 4.31, and 4.61 cm at 0.6642, 1.1736, and 1.3343 MeV, respectively. Among the materials tested, prepared glasses show higher shielding capacity compared to regularly used glass and concrete samples. The study highlights these glass compositions' potential as practical materials that can shield gamma radiation.

Utilization of Waste Marble and Bi2O3-NPs as a Sustainable Replacement for Lead Materials for Radiation Shielding Applications

In an attempt to reutilize marble waste, a new approach is presented in the current study to promote its use in the field of shielding against ionizing radiation. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel and sustainable/eco-friendly lead-free radiation shielding material by improving artificial marble (AM) produced from marble waste combined with polyester by reinforcing it with bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanoparticles. Six samples of AM samples doped with different concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) of Bi2O3 nanoparticles were prepared. The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) values were measured experimentally through the narrow beam method at different energies (0.0595 MeV, 0.6617 MeV, 1.1730 MeV, and 1.330 MeV) for all samples with various concentrations of Bi2O3. Radiological shielding parameters such as half value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), and radiation shielding efficiency (RSE) were estimated and compared for all the different samples. The results prove that increasing the concentration of Bi2O3 leads to the enhancement of the radiation shielding properties of the AM as a shielding material. It was observed that as the energy increases, the efficiency of the samples falls. High energy dependence was found when calculating the HVL and TVL values of the samples, which increased with increases in the energy of the incident photons. A comparison between the sample with the most efficient gamma radiation attenuation capability (AM-25%), concrete, and lead was conducted, and a discussion regarding their radiation shielding properties is presented herein. The results show that the AM-25% sample is superior to the ordinary concrete over all the studied energy ranges, as evidenced by its significantly lower HVLs. On the contrary, lead is superior to the AM-25% sample over all the studied energy ranges owing to its unbeatable density as a shielding material. Overall, this new type of artificial marble has the potential to be used as a radiation shielding material at low- to medium-gamma energy regions, specifically in medical imaging and radiation therapy.

Investigation of red clay and waste glass composite bricks for ionizing radiation shielding

Ionizing radiation is valuable for healthcare, industry, and agriculture. However, excessive exposure to ionizing radiation is detrimental to humans and the environment. Radiation protection aims at protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. This work aimed to study the effectiveness of composites of red clay and waste glass for ionizing radiation shielding. Five samples of different mix ratios of red clay to waste glass were fabricated into different dimensions using hand molding, dried, and burnt. The samples were characterized for ionizing radiation shielding. Monte-Carlo simulation was done using the GEANT4 toolkit and web-based NIST-XCOM photon attenuation database. The findings show that the measured half value layer (HVL) for the composite bricks showed a linear decrease from (6.13± 0.10) cm for the CNT sample that had 0 % waste glass to (4.62± 0.12) cm for the RCG11 sample that had 50 % waste glass. The GEANT4 simulated HVL values for CNT and RCG11 samples were (6.05±0.01) cm and (4.79±0.01) cm respectively. The NIST-XCOM values were (6.09±0.09) cm and (4.81± 0.01) cm for CNT and RCG11 respectively. The measured and simulated results were in good agreement. The findings of this study indicate an improvement in the shielding properties of red clay with the addition of waste glass and will promote radiation safety by providing an environmentally friendly alternative shielding material.•Proper shielding is key in promoting radiation safety and protection. There is a need for alternative shielding materials that can be used for walling during the construction of structures that house radioactive materials.•Red clay and waste glass composite bricks can provide alternative ionizing radiation shielding material.•This study will promote environmentally friendly practices in radiation safety and protection.

Melt-quenched zinc sodium borate glasses: Understanding the role of ZnO/Na2O ratio in density, band gap, and radiation attenuation

In this work, we successfully prepared glasses with the composition 55 B2O3 – (45-x) ZnO – x Na2O (x = 0, 5, 10, 15) using the traditional melt quenching procedure. We analyzed the influence of substituting ZnO with Na2O at different concentrations on the attenuation of ionizing radiation and the glass density. Different analytical tools, such as XRD, FTIR, and UV-VIS spectroscopy, were used to investigate the crystal structure and optical features of the produced samples. The partial replacement of ZnO by Na2O significantly reduces the density (from 3.36 to 2.87 g/cm3) and, in contrast, increases the molar volume of the glass (from 22.32 to 25.06 cm3/mol). The positions of the main peaks in the FTIR spectra remain relatively unchanged with increasing Na₂O content. The Fermi energy (EF) of the glasses increases from 3.16 to 3.45 eV with increasing Na2O concentration. Samples with higher Na2O exhibit a blue shift in the UV cutoff. The direct and indirect optical band gap energy values (Ed/Ein) increase from 3.42 to 3.62 eV and 2.87–3.23 eV, respectively, with increasing Na2O concentration. The radiation attenuation performance of these glass samples was examined through evaluation of various parameters like linear and mass attenuation coefficients (LAC/MAC), effective atomic number (Zeff), and half-value layer (HVL) and tenth-value layer (TVL) in the photon energy range of 10 keV–15 MeV. LAC and MAC values decrease with decreasing ZnO content. The two buildup factors, energy (EBF), and energy absorption (EABF) have been recorded for the different compositions at penetration depths up to 40 mean free paths. Samples with the highest ZnO concentration show the lowest HVL and TVL values at the lowest photon energy (≤2 MeV). Increasing Na2O concentration significantly increases both EBF and EABF, with their maxima occurring at 5 MeV. Increasing zinc oxide in the glass improves its radiation shielding ability, suggesting potential applications for zinc alkali borate glasses in radiation protection.

Fabrication, Structural Characterization, and Photon Attenuation Efficiency Investigation of Polymer-Based Composites.

Experiments have assessed various polymer composites for radiation shielding in diverse applications. These composites are lighter and non-toxic when compared to lead (Pb), making them particularly effective in diagnostic imaging for shielding against low-energy photons. This study demonstrates the fabrication of four composites by combining a base material, specifically a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) polymer, with 10% and 20% silicon (Si) and silicon carbide (SiC), respectively. Additionally, 5% molybdenum (Mo) was incorporated into the composites as a heavy metal element. The composites obtained were fabricated into 20 disks with a uniform thickness of 2 mm each. Discs were exposed to radiation from a low-energy X-ray source (32.5-64.5 keV). The chemical and physical properties of composites were assessed. The shielding ability of samples was evaluated by determining the linear and mass attenuation coefficients (μ and μm), radiation protection efficiency (RPE), half-value layer (HVL), and mean free path (MFP). According to our findings, supplementing HDPE with additives improved the attenuation of beams. The μm values showed that composite X-ray shielding characteristics were enhanced with filler concentration for both Si and SiC. Polymer composites with micro-molecule fillers shelter X-rays better than polymers, especially at low energy. The HVL and MFB values of the filler are lower than those of the pure HDPE sample, indicating that less thickness is needed to shield at the appropriate energy. HC-20 blocked 92% of the incident beam at 32.5 keV. This study found that increasing the composite sample thickness or polymer filler percentage could shield against low-energy radiation.