Computation of the mass attenuation coefficient of polymeric materials at specific gamma photon energies

Investigating polyurethane foam loaded with high-z nanoparticles for gamma radiation shielding compared to Monte Carlo simulations

Since the beginning of research into radiation and protection against it, the importance of searching for proper materials against radiation hazards has been recognized. Gamma radiation protection materials usually deal with heavy elements with high prices, which are hard to maintain. Polyurethane-based (PU) materials are popular in sound and thermal insulation due to, their low-weight properties and, most importantly, fast and convenient construction ingredients. PU foams (PUF) can be used as radiation shield and noise and heat resistance due to their approachability, light-weight, high resistance, and comfortable construction. This study involved simulation and an experiment to construct and investigate the properties of Polyurethane material doped with lead oxide as a gamma shield. The shield was considered in several weight fractions of lead, yielding several samples. The MCNPX 2.6 Monte Carlo code has been utilized for simulation procedure, and 137Cs was employed as the gamma source in both simulation and experiment. The results offer a promising response against the gamma radiation and are suitable for attenuating gamma rays.

Detailed Analysis of Gamma-Shielding Characteristics of Ternary Composites Using Experimental, Theoretical and Monte Carlo Simulation Methods

Ionizing radiation is vital in various fields but poses health risks, necessitating effective shielding. This study investigated the photon-shielding properties of polyester-based ternary composites with barite (BaSO4) and tungsten (W) using experimental methods, theoretical calculations, and Monte Carlo simulations for energies between 81 keV and 1332.5 keV. WINXCOM was utilized for the theoretical predictions, and the MCNP6 and PHITS 3.22 algorithms were employed for the simulations. According to the results, the simulation, theoretical, and experimental data all closely aligned. At 81 keV, the composite containing the highest amount of tungsten (PBaW50) had the highest mass attenuation coefficient (3.7498 cm2/g) and linear attenuation coefficient (12.9676 cm-1). Furthermore, for a sample that was 1 cm thick, PBaW50 offered 99.88% protection at 81 keV and had the lowest HVL and TVL values. PBaW50 exhibited attenuation capabilities, making it appropriate for use in industrial, medical, and aerospace settings. In summary, the findings of this study underscore the potential of polyester-based composites doped with barite and tungsten as effective materials for gamma radiation shielding. The PBaW50 sample, in particular, stands out for its attenuation performance, making it a viable option for a wide range of applications where durable and efficient radiation shielding is essential.

Gamma radiation shielding properties for polymer composites reinforced with bismuth tungstate in different proportions

In this study, inorganic compound (Bi2(WO4)3) was added into the composite to improve the radiation shielding properties of polymer composite. A polymer matrix was prepared by combining unsaturated polyester resin with methyl ethyl ketone peroxide and cobalt octoate (6%), and Bi2(WO4)3 was added to this polymer matrix at different ratios as filling material. In order to investigate the gamma radiation attenuation properties of the obtained polymer composites, mass attenuation coefficients, radiation shielding efficiencies, radiation transmission factors, linear attenuation coefficients, half values layer, tenth values layer, mean free path values, effective atomic numbers and effective electron densities parameters were obtained. Experimental studies were carried out with the help of HPGe detector at 22 different energies emitted from 22Na, 54Mn, 57Co, 60Co, 133Ba, 137Cs, 152Eu and 241Am radioactive sources in the photon energy range of 59.5-1408.0 keV. Each obtained experimental result was compared with the theoretical results. It was observed that the sample encoded with BiWO20 is the best radiation shielding material among all studied composites (except 59.5 keV).

Views on Radiation Shielding Efficiency of Polymeric Composites/Nanocomposites and Multi-Layered Materials: Current State and Advancements

This article highlights advancements in polymeric composite/nanocomposites processes and applications for improved radiation shielding and high-rate attenuation for the spacecraft. Energetic particles, mostly electrons and protons, can annihilate or cause space craft hardware failures. The standard practice in space electronics is the utilization of aluminum as radiation safeguard and structural enclosure. In space, the materials must be lightweight and capable of withstanding extreme temperature/mechanical loads under harsh environments, so the research has focused on advanced multi-functional materials. In this regard, low-Z materials have been found effective in shielding particle radiation, but their structural properties were not sufficient for the desired space applications. As a solution, polymeric composites or nanocomposites have been produced having enhanced material properties and enough radiation shielding (gamma, cosmic, X-rays, protons, neutrons, etc.) properties along with reduced weight. Advantageously, the polymeric composites or nanocomposites can be layered to form multi-layered shields. Hence, polymer composites/nanocomposites offer promising alternatives to developing materials for efficiently attenuating photon or particle radiation. The latest technology developments for micro/nano reinforced polymer composites/nanocomposites have also been surveyed here for the radiation shielding of space crafts and aerospace structures. Moreover, the motive behind this state-of-the-art overview is to put forward recommendations for high performance design/applications of reinforced nanocomposites towards future radiation shielding technology in the spacecraft.

Theoretical Investigation of Gamma- and Neutron-Shielding Properties of Polysulfone (PSU) Polymer Material Using Geant4

Polymers are widely used materials that have many medical and industrial applications. Some polymers have even been introduced as radiation-shielding materials; therefore, many studies are focusing on new polymers and their interactions with photons and neutrons. Research has focused on theoretical estimation of the shielding effectiveness of different materials. It is well known that theoretical studies on the shielding properties of different materials through modeling and simulation have many benefits, as they help scientists to choose the right shielding material for a specific application, and they are also much more cost-effective and take much less time compared to experimental studies. In this study, polysulfone (PSU) was investigated. PSU is a high-temperature, amber-colored, semi-transparent plastic material with good mechanical properties. It is resistant to degradation from hot water and steam and is often used in medical and food preparation applications, where repeated sterilization is required. The interactions of photons and neutrons with PSU were investigated using a Monte Carlo-based simulation toolkit, Geant4, within a wide range of energies of both photons and neutrons. The mass attenuation coefficients (µ_m), the half-value layers (HVL), the effective atomic numbers (Z_eff), and the effective electron densities (N_eff) of gammas were investigated. In addition, the effective removal cross-sections (Σ_R) and the mean free paths (λ) of neutrons were also studied. The results were then compared to other commonly used polymer materials.

Calculation of Gamma and Neutron Shielding Parameters for Reinforced Polymer Composites

In this study, the shielding parameters for Isophorone Diamine (IPDA) with different ratios of Barite, Boron Carbide, and Aluminum Oxide composites were theoretically investigated. The mass attenuation coefficients (µm) were calculated at the photon energy range (1 keV to 20 MeV) using the XCom program. The obtained data were used to calculate the linear attenuation coefficients (µ), relaxation lengths (?), Half Value Layer (HVL), and Tenth Value Layer (TVL) for the same range of energy. For comparison, five other shielding materials; ordinary concrete, high-density polyethylene, borated polyethylene, lithium polyethylene, and water were also studied. The macroscopic fast neutron removal cross-sections (?R) were calculated for the selected composites. The obtained results show that the shielding parameters strongly depend on the photon energy, chemical composition, and density of the investigated materials. The dependence of mass attenuation coefficients and macroscopic fast neutron removal cross-sections on the chemical composition of the selected polymer composites was discussed. Barite composite is seen to be a good attenuating material; Aluminum oxide composite is a reasonable attenuating behavior, while Boron composite is relatively weak gamma-ray attenuator. The results obtained through this work can be used to understand the behavior and shielding effectiveness of the selected polymer composites.

Gamma-Ray Attenuation and Exposure Buildup Factor of Novel Polymers in Shielding Using Geant4 Simulation

Polymers are often used in medical applications, therefore, some novel polymers and their interactions with photons have been studied. The gamma-ray shielding parameters for Polymethylpentene (PMP), Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Polyoxymethylene (POM), Polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) polymers were determined using the Geant4 simulation and discussed in the current work. The mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) were simulated at low and high energies between 0.059 and 1.408 MeV using different radionuclides. The accuracy of the Geant4 simulated results were checked with the XCOM software. The two different methods had good agreement with each other. Exposure buildup factor (EBF) was calculated and discussed in terms of polymers under study and photon energy. Effective atomic number (Z_eff) and electron density (N_eff) were calculated and analyzed at different energies. Additionally, the half-value layer (HVL) of the polymers was evaluated, and the results of this parameter showed that PCTFE had the highest probability of interaction with gamma photons compared to those of the other tested polymers.

Polymeric composite materials for radiation shielding: a review

The rising use of radioactive elements is increasing radioactive pollution and calling for advanced materials to protect individuals. For instance, polymers are promising due to their mechanical, electrical, thermal, and multifunctional properties. Moreover, composites made of polymers and high atomic number fillers should allow to obtain material with low-weight, good flexibility, and good processability. Here we review the synthesis of polymer materials for radiation protection, with focus on the role of the nanofillers. We discuss the effectivness of polymeric materials for the absorption of fast neutrons. We also present the recycling of polymers into composites.