Session: 09-04: Radiation shielding

Paper Number: 133740

133740 - Advancement in Shielding Materials: Geant4 Simulation of Gamma Radiation With Polystyrene-Bismuth Oxide 

Abstract: 

The selection of suitable materials for radiation shielding is of paramount importance in safeguarding individuals and the environment against the detrimental effects of ionizing radiation. As radiation-emitting technologies continue to expand across various domains, the meticulous assessment of appropriate shielding materials has become increasingly critical. This work has presented a comprehensive study on Polystyrene-bismuth oxide composites (PS-Bi₂O₃) within an energy range spanning from 100 to 2000 keV, containing different percentage compositions of bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃). The primary objective is to explore the gamma mass attenuation (μ/ρ) and linear attenuation (μ) coefficients of these composites which lead to comprehensive evaluation of half-value layers of all the studied samples as it is very crucial parameter in finding the shielding ability of a material, while it encompassed various weight factors of bismuth oxide within the samples. This exploration has been carried out through the utilization of EpiXS and a Monte Carlo simulation-based toolkit, namely Geant4. The rationale for covering such a wide energy spectrum for gamma rays is to ensure applicability across a diverse range of scenarios, so that the findings can be useful in many different situations. These attenuation coefficients have been used to determine the half-value layers of each of the various samples. Furthermore, the study have carefully investigate the shielding parameters using both Geant4 and EpiXS which gave a promising results.

Additionally, the study has carefully investigated the possible uses of polystyrene-bismuth oxide composites in this extensive energy range. Examining their efficiency and flexibility at various energy levels, the research has made a wide range of possible applications in many real-world situations possible. This also provide a deeper understanding of the shielding capabilities of Polystyrene-bismuth oxide composites and their potential applications; this research paves the way for enhanced radiation protection strategies across a myriad of settings. From improving safety protocols in nuclear facilities to safeguarding astronauts during long-duration space missions, the implications extend far and wide, promising to positively impact human health and safety on a global scale.

In summary, this research offered valuable insights by not only developing new and reliable shielding materials but also by thoroughly exploring the shielding characteristics of Polystyrene-bismuth oxide composites across a diverse range of energy levels and examining potential of its uses across that wide range of energy levels. The findings have the potential to inform the selection of effective shielding materials in various practical applications, ensuring enhanced radiation protection in different settings.

Keywords: Geant4; PS-Bi₂O₃; mass attenuation coefficient; half-value layer; Gamma.

Presenting Author: Bashir Garba Aminu Harbin Engineering University

Presenting Author Biography: Bashir Garba Aminu is currently a PhD candidate from Harbin Engineering university, who held a Master Degree from Tsinghua University Beijing in 2021 and currently working in the field of Radiation protection with Professor Yongkuo Liu as my supervisor.

Authors:

Bashir Garba Aminu Harbin Engineering University
Yongkuo Liu Harbin Engineering University
Hanan Akhdar Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU)
Shamsuddeen Lawal Harbin Engineering University