Radiation Shielding Parameters Research Articles

Gamma, neutron, and charged particle shielding performance of ABKT glass system

In this study, the gamma, charged, thermal neutron, and fast neutron radiation shielding parameters of (5+x)K2O-(25-x)TeO2-(10-x)As2O3-(60-x)B2O3 (where x ranged from 0 (ABKT1) to 20 (ABKT5) mol% in 5 mol% steps) were calculated and simulated. In addition, important optical parameters such as the reflection loss (Rloss), molar refractivity (Rm), molar polarizability (αm), optical transmission (TOpt), metallization criterion (M(n)), static dielectric constant (Ɛsta), optical dielectric constant (Ɛopt) of the glasses, were computed and juxtaposed with the chemical composition of the glasses. The values of Rm and αm decreased from 17.213 cm3/mol to 15.247 cm3/mol and 6.830 x10−24 cm3 to 6.05 x10−24 cm3, respectively, as K2O replaced TeO2 in the ABTK glass system. Similarly, Rloss reduced from 0.173 to 0.164, while TOpt increased from 0.705 to 0.719. The values of M(n), εsta, and εOpt were in the range 0.381–0.397, 5.565–5.87, and 4.565–4.871, respectively. The mass attenuation coefficients of ABKT1–ABKT5 were within the range of 0.0276–30.8789, 0.0269–29.6485, 0.0262–28.3373, 0.0255–29.9370, and 0.0249–25.4384 cm2/g, respectively. ABKT1 is the best gamma photon absorber among the ABKT glasses for narrow and broad beam transmission modes. For electrons, protons, alpha particles, and heavy carbon ions, the mass stopping powers of the glasses follow the order ABKT1>ABKT2>ABKT3>ABKT4>ABKT5. ABKT1 had the best photon and ion absorbing capabilities, while ABKT5 has the highest thermal and fast neutron interaction cross-sections. The ABKT1 glass demonstrated the potential to perform better than some commercial glass shields, standard shielding glasses, light and heavy concretes, and a host of other materials as a transparent gamma radiation shielding material.

Designing High-Density of PbO-Enriched Telluro-Borate Glasses for Improved Radiation Shielding: A Comprehensive Study of Attenuation Parameters

Several radiation shielding parameters for (75-x) B2O3−10TeO2−13SrCO3 −2ZnO-xPbO glasses were evaluated between 0.284 and 1.333 MeV. The PbO content in the glass has a positive relationship with the density of the glasses, leading to BTSZP0, the glass with no PbO, having the smallest density, while BTSZP5, which has 40 PbO mol%, has the greatest density. Radiation shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) and other related factors were computed, and relationships between PbO content, energy, and density are graphed. Linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) is reported and we evaluated the impact of density on the LAC values. By adding more PbO atoms, the density of the samples increased, leading to a higher LAC. The BTSZP0 sample has the highest HVL at all tested energies, with the BTSZP5 sample having the lowest HVL. Mean free path (MFP) has an inverse relationship with the density of each sample but increases with greater incoming photon energy. The effective atomic number (Zeff)values peak at low photon energies and rise significantly with increasing PbO content. The MFP and TVL of the BTSZP glasses are compared against previously tested glass samples at a set energy, and the values demosntrated the effectiveness of the BTSZP glasses.

Fabrication and characterization of structured Zn1-xCdxWO4 (0≤x≤1) with tunable photoluminescent and promising applicable heterometallic nanocomposites in shielding properties

We present the co-precipitation synthesis of Zn1-xCdxWO4 nanoparticles using only sodium tungstate and cadmium nitrate solutions as precursors, with no complexing agents, templates, or surfactants. Various techniques were used to characterize the synthesized product to determine its crystalline nature and vibrational, optical, and morphological properties. The radiation shielding parameters like mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), ACS, ECS, and Zeff have been investigated in addition to low half-value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) values, the most critical features of alternative shielding material. The CdWO4 sample, which had the highest Cd concentration of the samples tested, had the lowest MFP, TVL, and HVL values. Considering these factors, the composite materials were found to have the best shielding characteristics of any of the other samples. The LAC shows the highest determined values for this parameter at this energy, which ranged from 34.025 to 41.1855 cm−1 at 0.08 MeV.

Impact of Bulk and Nano Bismuth Oxide on the Attenuation Parameters of Bentonite Barite Composites

Since bentonite can absorb neutrons and gamma rays without sacrificing structural integrity, it is frequently used as the main shielding material in many nuclear installations. Recently, there has been a trend toward enhancing the shielding qualities of bentonite by adding various chemicals. However, the majority of the added materials either require particular handling procedures or pose health risks. The availability of environmentally friendly additives would be wonderful. The addition of barite to bentonite composites greatly raises the density of the specimens. Additionally, the performance of bentonite–barite composites as radiation shielding materials is improved by adding various amounts of bulk and nano Bi2O3 as a filler (6%, 13%, and 20%). Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) was used to determine the chemical makeup of the produced specimens. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures showed the samples’ cross-sections’ porosity and homogeneity. 241Am, 133Ba, 137Cs, and 60Co are radioactive sources that emit energies of 59.53, 80.99, 356.01, 661.66, 1173.23, and 1332.5 keV, respectively, and the NaI (Tl) scintillation detector was used in this investigation. The area under the peak of the observed energy spectra was measured using the Genie 2000 program in both the specimen’s absence and presence. The coefficients for linear and mass attenuation were calculated. To determine the theoretical mass attenuation coefficients, the XCOM program was utilized and then compared to the corresponding experimental values. Various radiation shielding parameters dependent on the linear attenuation coefficient were computed for each studied composite. These parameters include the mean free path (MFP), half value layer (HVL), and tenth value layer (TVL). Also, the Zeff and the EABF were determined for each specimen. According to the findings, bismuth oxide was added to bentonite–barite composites to reduce the transmitted flux through the specimens, which increased the LAC of the bentonite–barite composites. Furthermore, adding nanosized bismuth oxide particles increased the sample’s density and improved the material’s shielding properties. At a photon energy of 0.356 keV, the relative deviation (∆%) between the experimental nano- and micro values for Bi2O3 (20 wt%) was 12.1974, confirming that the nanoparticles increase attenuation efficiency.

Investigation on The Effect of Bismuth Concentration Towards Radiation Shielding Properties in Ag-embedded Borobismuthate Mixed Ionic Electronic Glass System

In this study, 20Li2O–xBi2O3–(79-x)B2O3–1Ag glasses for x=3,5,7,9, and 11 mol % glasses were prepared by using the melt quenching technique to investigate radiation shielding properties of the glasses using Phy-X/PSD simulation program at 15 keV to 15 MeV photon energy range. The radiation shielding parameters were carried out to determine the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP) and effective atomic number (Zeff). The results showed that the Bi2O3 addition has improved overall radiation shielding properties. The MAC of the glass system was increased as Bi2O3 concentration increased. The HVL showed that present glass better than standard commercial concretes as lower HVL value indicates better shielding where 11 mol % required a much smaller thickness than 3 mol %. Therefore, sample with highest bismuth content has the most effective radiation protective property. Smaller MFP is most preferable as it suitable for protection materials; indicated the 11 mol % is best candidate for radiation shielding. Lastly, the higher value in Zeff was contributed by higher atomic number of Bi over B; thus, enhanced protection performance.

Probing the elasticity and radiation protection potential of neodymium(III) doped zinc and niobium tellurite glasses: An integrated simulated and applied physics perspective

The present work scrutinizes the radiation protection features and mechanical characteristics of neodymium zinc-tellurite of composition (TeO2)75-(ZnO)10 – (Nb2O5)15−x - (Nd2O3)x: x = 0–9 mol%. An MCNP Monte Carlo simulation code and Phy-X software were performed to evaluate the radiation shielding parameters (e.g., linear attenuation coefficient (μ), mass attenuation coefficient (μm), half value layer (H1/2), etc. of the investigated TZNNdx glasses. Results revealed that the increasing of Nd2O3 concentration in TZNNd-glasses from 1 to 9 mol% had a positive effect on their elastic parameters: Young's modulus increased from 52.949 to 55.44 GPa, bulk modulus changed from 31.189 to 34.411 GPa, and the PR varied from 0.217 to 0.228 for TZNNd1 to TZNNd5. Compared to prior research on similar compositions, our findings indicate a more pronounced enhancement in both mechanical and Radiation shielding properties, suggesting an optimized composition strategy. The linear attenuation coefficient (μ) increased in the order TZNNd0 < TZNNd3 < TZNNd5 < TZNNd7 < TZNNd9. The half-value layer varies inversely with the linear attenuation coefficient and varies from 0.004 to 3.600 cm for TZNNd0, 0.003–3.453 cm for TZNNd3, 0.003–3.346 cm for TZNNd5, 0.003–3.253 cm for TZNNd7, and 0.003–3.159 cm for TZNNd9. Throughout the considered energy spectrum, the range of Zeff for the glasses varied from 44.98 to 30.51, 46.31 – 31.51, 47.13 – 32.18, 47.89 – 32.85, and 48.61 – 33.53 for TZNNd0, TZNNd3, TZNNd5, TZNNd7, and TZNNd9, respectively. Also, the values of fast neutron removal cross-section ΣR were calculated and showed a steady increase as the partial densities of Nd and oxygen of the TZNNd-glass systems increased. The FNRCS (∑R) of the TZNNd glass samples have FNRCS values of 0.093, 0.106, 0.107, 0.108, and 0.109 cm−1 for TZNNd0, TZNNd3, TZNNd5, TZNNd7, and TZNNd9, respectively Generally, one can conclude that the additive of Nd2O3 to Nb2O5-TeO2-ZnO glasses enhances their mechanical properties and increases their ability to absorb neutrons and photons to apply in nuclear medicine applications.

Computation of gamma-ray buildup factors for (25-x)CaF2-xAl2O3–15Bi2O3–59B2O3–CuO glasses

High energetic gamma rays are used in different fields and thus it may cause high risks for public if it is absorbed over limited dose. In order to be protected from these hazardous effect of radiation, the shielding is an effective ways and this requires shielding materials. For this purpose the gamma radiation shielding parameters for four different types glasses which was formulated as (25-x)CaF2-xAl2O3–15Bi2O3–59B2O3–CuO (x = 3,6,9,12 mol%) have been investigated. For this purpose, the linear absorption coefficients (LAC, μ) were calculated using Phy-X/PSD within the gamma ray energy range of 10−3-105 MeV. From using the equivalent atomic number (Zeq) and Geometric progression (G–P) method, the exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) values were evaluated at 0.015 MeV–15 MeV gamma rays. The values of EBF and EABF were calculated for 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 cm mean free path (mfp).

Doping impacts of La2O3 on physical, structural, optical and radiation shielding properties of (30-x)BaCO3–30TiO2–40SiO2-xLa2O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 6) glasses for optoelectronic applications

Herein, synthesis of novel barium silicate glasses doped with La2O3 in the system (30-x)BaCO3–30TiO2–40SiO2-xLa2O3, BTSL (0 ≤ x ≤ 6) via fast melt-quenching technique was carried out. Further, to confirm the amorphous behaviour of prepared glass samples, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were carried out. The density of all prepared glasses was determined using Archimedes’ principle and found to be in an increasing manner. To investigate the doping influence of La2O3 on the glasses, few more physical properties like molar volume (Vm), polaron radius (rp), and field strength (Fs) were also studied and found to be increased due to incorporation of La2O3 into BTSL glassy system. Moreover, to explore the structural, functional, and bonding mechanism of the glasses, FTIR, Raman and 29Si-MAS-ssNMR spectroscopies were performed. Further, to investigate the numerous optical parameters, UV–visible spectroscopy was executed, and energy band gaps were found in the decreasing manner as increasing the La2O3 concentrations. Additionally, to study the optoelectronic properties, refractive indices (η) and optical dielectric constant (ε) were determined and revealed the increasing behaviour and found suitable material for optoelectronic devices. Furthermore, the radiation shielding parameters, mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), etc were determined using Phy-X/PSD software and these parameters are increased owing to the doping of La2O3. Among all fabricated glasses, (30-x)BaCO3–30TiO2−40SiO2−6La2O3, BTS6L glass exhibited outstanding optical and radiation attenuation properties; can be tailored for the fabrication of optoelectronic and radiation protection devices.

Hazardous radiation protective glasses for medical and research laboratories

In the current study, the bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) content was inter-substituted with gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) in sodium borate glass. Glass sample density and molar volume values show a reverse trend. The optical transparent radiation shielding glasses are more commonly used materials in hospitals or any hazardous radiation working environments, the glasses used in this work are more emphasized on their superior transmittance and acceptable for shielding materials for commercial purposes. The optical band gap value was calculated using the Tauc plot and absorption fitting method. Radiation shielding parameters like mass attenuation co-efficient, effective atomic number, effective electron density, equivalent atomic number, lead equivalent thickness, half value layer, tenth value layer, Geometric-Progression fitting parameters like (b, c, a, XK, and d), γ-ray build-up factor, and exposure build-up factor have all been evaluated. In the current work, photoluminescence studies for Gd3+ ions were investigated and discussed.

Investigation of gamma shielding parameters of VMQ/W/TiO2 polymer composites

Vinyl Methyl Silicone Rubber (VMQ) matrix with Tungsten (W) and Titanium dioxide (TiO2) as multi-filler materials was studied with varying Tungsten content (0, 30, 50, 70 phr (parts per hundred rubber)) and investigated for gamma radiation shielding applications. The mass attenuation coefficient of VMQ/W/TiO2 composites for 80, 356 and 662 keV were obtained using XCOM database. Various radiation shielding parameters, such as the linear attenuation coefficient, half-value layer, tenth-value layer and relaxation length were evaluated using the values of mass attenuation coefficient and density. It is found that the attenuation coefficient increases with increase in filler density, whereas the HVL, TVL and relaxation length of the composites found to decrease. The mass attenuation coefficient and HVL of VMQ/70W/30 TiO2 phr are found to be 2.88 cm2/g and 0.1 cm for 80 keV gamma rays. The results confirm that the examined shielding parameters are associated with photon energies and chemical composition. Hence, the performance of VMQ/W/TiO2 rubber based composites show superior shielding properties and the experimental results are found to be better than barite at 356 & 662 keV and slightly lower than lead and barite at 80 keV.

Photon attenuation computational software tools - A comparative study

Various photon attenuation software tools are being used widely by researchers to evaluate the radiation shielding parameters of the elements/compounds/composites theoretically. Attempts are being made by a few researchers to update and develop software tools of these kinds. However, the efficacy of these tools in terms of their comparison is yet to be explored. Thus, an attempt has been made in the present study to compare & explore the best tool among the widely used and most trusted tools, such as Phy-X, XCOM, FFAST and XMuDat photon attenuation databases, to evaluate the shielding parameters of PVA-based composites filled with bismuth and tungsten, and also for materials such as bismuth, tungsten, gold, copper, platinum, lead and barite. Careful analysis of the data obtained computationally and experimentally shows that, although the Phy-X tool provides various shielding parameters with multiple choices in the selection of energy range, it is noticed that this tool needs to be figured out for obtaining the absorption edges of the composites of interest precisely. The XCOM database provides sharp absorption edges; however, this tool gives multiple values of mass attenuation coefficients corresponding to a particular absorption edge energy. On the other hand, The FFAST tool provides sharp absorption edges along with X ray fine structure. However, the tool restricts to work with elements and compounds in the energy range 1 keV–433 keV, which limits the utilization of this tool. Furthermore, the XMuDat tool has a limiting option to work with the materials available in its library/database and provides the mass attenuation coefficient and four other parameters. However, the XMuDat provides a large number of data points, which helps to identify any minute deviation in the values of the parameters. Therefore, the present study suggests that the XMuDat tool is much more advantageous and reliable than the other tools for the detailed study of various radiation shielding parameters.

Impacts of BaO additives on the mechanical, optical and radiation shielding properties of BaO–K2O– CoO–Al2O3–B2O3 glasses

This article reports the influence of barium oxide (BaO) on mechanical and radiation protection characteristics of BaO–K2O– CoO–Al2O3–B2O3 glass. The obtained results confirmed the enhanced the elastic moduli, confirming a high cross-linked density, high impact resistance, and toughness of the network, with the good mechanical stability of samples with further additives of BaO. In detail, with increasing BaO contents, it is observed that the shear modulus increased from 33.8 GPa reaching 37.7 GPa (increased by about 11.5%), while the longitudinal modulus enhanced from 100.5 GPa up to 117.4 GPa (enhanced by ⁓ 16.8%), besides Young's modulus augmented from 84.4 GPa to 95.3 GPa (augmented by ⁓ 13%), and bulk modulus is increased from 55.4 GPa reaching 67.2 GPa (increased by ⁓ 21.3%). These enhancements in the elastic moduli are attributed to the increased tetrahedral units (BO4 and AlO4 units) inside the glass matrix with increasing BaO additives. On the other hand, with increasing BaO, optical band gaps increase from 3.07 eV to 3.58 eV, and ligand field strength values decrease from 3494 cm−1 to 3273 cm−1. Furthermore, the addition of BaO reduces the linear and nonlinear refractive indices. Moreover, the obtained radiation shielding parameters were studied and compared to those of well-known shielding materials. The comparison confirmed that the glass specimen with the highest barium oxide content has better radiation shielding ability than others and is suitable for radiation shielding applications.

The effect of ZnO on the structural and radiation shielding properties in borophosphate glasses

In this work, the influence of ZnO content in the structural and radiation shielding parameters of zinc borophosphate glass were studied. The glass batch was prepared by using the melt-quenching technique. The structural analyses have been carried out using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, 11B and 31P solid state MAS NMR. Density and glass transition temperature (Tg) were measurements and band gap were determined. XRD confirms the non-crystalline nature of the prepared samples. Changes in the structural characteristics with composition are associated with a replacement of BO4 by BO3 units and the replacement of PO4 phosphorous units by PO4−1 and PO4−2 units, leading to an increase of the average number of non-bridging oxygen (NBO). Density values revealed an increase of up to 43% and Tg shows reduction followed by stability with the replacement of P2O5 by ZnO. Band gap energies were measured as a function of ZnO content. Photon interaction parameters of the zinc borophosphate glasses have been investigated by the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half value layer (HVL), and mean free path (MFP). For radiation in the X-ray range (40 KeV), the MAC value for glass is 887% higher than for concrete and the HVL decreases almost four times, from 20 to 6 mm thickness, with the increase of ZnO content. The rise in ZnO content also improves all radiation attenuation parameters and the results reported here show that zinc borophosphate glasses present better results than ordinary concrete and is comparable to lead-based glasses. These characteristics make this glass system an excellent choice as a high-energy ionizing radiation attenuator.

Effects of bismuth substitution on the structural and ionizing radiation shielding properties of the novel BaSn1-xBixO3 perovskites: An experimental study

In this study, BaSn1-xBixO3(0.00 ≤ x ≤0.20) polycrystalline perovskites are synthesized using the conventional solid-state reaction method for their utilization as materials for shielding against ionizing radiation. The Rietveld refinement of the room temperature X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed that all samples exhibited a cubic structure with Pm3‾m space group. To investigate the photon shielding properties of the prepared samples, the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) was experimentally measured, and then the findings were benchmarked with the calculated results from the XCOM database. The obtained experimental results showed a reasonable correlation with the XCOM data, with relative differences in the mass attenuation coefficient ranging from 0.57% to 7.1%. Based on the measured MAC, different radiation shielding parameters such as the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), transmission factor (TF), and radiation protection efficiency (RPE) were calculated for all ceramics studied. These findings suggest that BaSn1-xBixO3(0.00 ≤ x ≤0.20) ceramic samples could be beneficial for use in shielding applications against ionizing radiation.

Investigation of radiation shielding properties of basalt-based glasses: Binodal/Spinodal decomposition effect theory

This study investigated the radiation protection properties of basalt glasses modified by adding Bi2O3 at different concentrations. The chemical composition of Basalt-Bi2O3 glasses is Basalt (100–x)–x Bi2O3, where x = 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt% represent G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, and G6 glasses, respectively. The radiation shielding parameters of the glasses were measured for gamma energies of 303 keV, 356 keV, and 662 keV using a high-resolution γ-ray spectrometer equipped with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Density values were calculated between 2.75 and 4.18 g/cm3 according to Bi2O3 contribution. Mass attenuation coefficients (MAC, cm2/g) were determined between 0.043 and 0.149 depending on the composition and applied energy. It has been determined that the Bi2O3 additive increases the radiation shielding properties of basalt-based glasses and is also effective in the shielding properties of the phase separation mechanism. Phase separation mechanisms caused inhomogeneity of electron densities, which affected the radiation shielding.

Determination of X-ray and gamma-ray shielding capabilities of recycled glass derived from deteriorated silica gel

We determined the radiation shielding properties for 10CaO–xPbO–(90-x) deteriorated silica gel (DSG) glass system (x = 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 mol.%). The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) has been estimated at photon energies of 74.23, 97.12, 122, 662, 1173, and 1332 keV using a narrow beam X-ray attenuation and transmission experiment, the XCOM program, and a PHITS simulation. The obtained MAC values were applied to estimate the half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number, and effective electron density. Results show that the MAC value of the studied glasses ranges between 0.0549 and 1.4415 cm2/g, increases with the amount of PbO, and decreases with increasing photon energy. The HVL and MFP values decrease with increasing PbO content and increase with increasing photon energy. The recycled glass, with the addition of PbO content (20–45 mol.%), exhibited excellent radiation shielding capabilities compared to standard barite and ferrite concretes and some glass systems. Moreover, the experimental radiation shielding parameters agree with the XCOM and PHITS values. This study suggests that this new waste-recycled glass is an effective and cost-saving candidate for X-ray and gamma-ray shielding applications.

The structure, optical basicity, ligand field strength and shielding parameters of alkali/alkaline borate glasses doped with V2O5

In this work, we study the structural, optical and radiation shielding properties of Na2O–CaO-borate glass doped with different amounts of V2O5. A glass system with the composition (10.5CaO+ 16.5Na2O+ (73-x)B2O3+ xV2O5; where x = 0, 2.5, 5 and 10.5 mol%) was produced following the melt quenching technique. The molar volume and density of glasses both increase with the increase in V2O5:B2O3 ratios. Moreover, the average ligand field strength reduced from 2.32 to 2.15 × 1016 cm2 with the increase in V2O5:B2O3 ratios, which correlates with the increased values of molar volume and interatomic separations. Furthermore, the optical basicity of the glass samples increased from 0.601 to 0.666 with increasing V2O5:B2O3 ratios. The optical absorption spectra are studied for further investigation of the optical features. To extract the absorption edge and the absorption bands, a deconvolution process was applied to the absorption spectra. The obtained bands from this deconvolution process confirmed the presence of vanadium in its oxidation states V3+, V4+ and V5+. Furthermore, more additions of V2O5 produced an obvious reduction in Eg values from 3.69 to 3.08 eV along with a redshift in the fundamental absorption edges. These results were attributed to the further creation of nonbridging oxygens within the glass matrix. Furthermore, the addition of V2O5 rather than B2O3 enhances the radiation shielding parameters. Accordingly, the CaNaBV10.5 glass sample is the best attenuator among the fabricated CaO–Na2O–B2O3–V2O5 glasses due to the highest mass attenuation coefficient and lowest half-value layer. Moreover, the half-value layer values of the present glasses were compared to some common materials in the radiation shielding field. From this comparison, we concluded that all glass samples are better than commercial glass windows and ordinary concrete.

Structural and radiation shielding parameters of heavy metal-based environment-friendly glass systems for nuclear radiation security applications

This work used theoretical and experimental approaches to examine the effects of the partial substitution of cadmium (II) oxide for boron trioxide on structural, optical, and physical characteristics. Using the melt quenching technique, we created a cadmium (Cd)-borate glass group with the following nominal composition: (60-X)B2O3 + 20Na2O + 5NiO + 15CaCO3 + xCdO system, where x = 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt%. The amorphous structure of the Cd-borate glasses was determined using an experimental X-ray diffraction technique. Additionally, density and UV studies were used to investigate optical and material properties. To determine the effect of this substitution on the improvement of nuclear radiation shielding, the linear attenuation coefficients at 80, 356, 662, 1173, and 1333 keV were measured using a narrow beam geometry and an experimental gamma-ray transmission technique. When the CdO level was raised from 0 to 10% (by weight), both the molar volume and transmission decreased in value while hardness of the glass increased. In addition, adding 5% CdO to this glass in its current composition led to a greater absorption of neutrons. The absorption of gamma rays required the addition of 10% CdO. Thus, the best radiation filter was a Cd-borate glass that contained 10% CdO.

A close look for the γ-ray attenuation capacity and equivalent dose rate form composites based epoxy resin: An experimental study

The present work aims to develop new epoxy-based composites with halloysite, basalt, PbO, CuO, and Bi2O3 fillers. The role of the utilized fillers in the structural properties of the fabricated composites was studied using the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and scanning electron microscope. Additionally, the role of utilized fillers in reducing the equivalent dose rates from Co-60 and Cs-137 isotopes were experimentally examined where the equivalent dose rate values ranged between 1.95 μSv/h–1.36 μSv/h (for E@PbO), 1.88 μSv/h–1.31 μSv/h (for E@Bi2O3 composite), 1.97 μSv/h–1.43 μSv/h (for E@CuO composite), 1.96 μSv/h–1.46 μSv/h (for E@Halloysite composite), and between 1.94 μSv/h–1.47 μSv/h (for E@ Basalt composite), raising the composites’ thickness between 1.0 and 4.65 cm, at gamma-ray energy of 0.662 MeV. Based on the examined equivalent dose rate, the shielding parameters of the fabricated composites were evaluated where the radiation protection efficiency f reaches 36.4%, 33.2%, 31.8%, 38.8%, and 31.3% for epoxy resin reinforced by 25 wt% of PbO, CuO, halloysite, Bi2O3, and basalt, respectively, at gamma-ray energy of 0.662 MeV. The observed outcomes demonstrated that the radiation shielding parameters of low-cost epoxy resin with natural fillers (halloysite and basalt) are marginally inferior to those of CuO, PbO, and Bi2O3 fillers. These results support the feasibility of creating shielding polymer composites using natural fillers rather than expensive and hazardous heavy-weight fillers.

Impact of BaTiO3 on the structural, optical, and nuclear radiation shielding parameters of poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites as transparent shielding material

Six weight percentages (0, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt(%)) of barium titanate BaTiO3 were doped as a nanoparticle in poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA and their optical and nuclear radiation shielding properties were investigated. The XRD patterns, FTIR spectra and SEM images confirmed that the nanocomposite films were successfully prepared. The pure PMMA sample demonstrated a significant degree of transparency, approximately 90%. The inclusion of BaTiO3 resulted in a significant reduction in the optical bandgap while maintaining a moderate transmittance level of approximately 40% at a concentration of 10 wt (%). The direct and indirect band gap energy of PMMA were decreased from 4.81 eV to 4.62 eV–1.64 eV and 1.09 eV, respectively, after doping with 20 wt(%) BaTiO3 nanoparticles. The refractive index of the investigated samples was determined using various approaches and seen to increase after nanofiller addition. Seven energy lines, from Eu-152, Cs-137, Na-22 and Ra-226 radioactive gamma ray sources, were used to deduce the gamma ray shielding parameters of the prepared samples. Also, three neutron energy ranges were used to measure the macroscopic cross-sections for the investigated samples. The results showed good agreement between measured values of mass attenuation coefficients and those calculated by WinXCOM computer program. Furthermore, the optimal weight percentage of BaTiO3 in PMMA for attenuation of all examined gamma ray energies was 10 wt (%), whereas it was 15 wt (%) for the investigated three neutron energy ranges. In other words, a novel flexible, transparent and non-toxic polymer nanocomposite shielding material is presented and the samples containing 10–15 wt(%), demonstrates improved radiation attenuation.