Bentonite based ceramic materials from a perspective of gamma-ray shielding: Preparation, characterization and performance evaluation

Asal S., Erenturk S., Hacıyakupoğlu S.

Nuclear Engineering and Technology, vol.53, pp.1634-1641, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 53
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.net.2020.11.009
  • Journal Name: Nuclear Engineering and Technology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.1634-1641
  • Keywords: Gamma-ray shielding, Bentonite, Ceramic, Attenuation coefficient, Half value thickness, Tenth value thickness, CLAY, FEATURES, POLYMER, LINER
  • Istanbul Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

© 2020 Korean Nuclear SocietyExposure to gamma-rays is hazardous for humans and other living beings because of their high penetration through the materials. For this reason, shielding materials (usually lead, copper and stainless steel) are used to protect against gamma rays. This study's objective was to prepare ceramic materials for gamma radiation shielding by using different natural bentonite clays. Gamma-ray attenuation performances of the prepared shielding materials at different thicknesses were investigated and evaluated for different gamma-ray energies from different standard point gamma radiation sources (251Am, 57Co, 137Cs, 60Co, and 88Y). The mass and linear attenuation coefficients of the prepared ceramics vary between 0.238 and 0.443 cm2 g−1 and between 0.479 and 1.06 cm−1, respectively, depending on their thicknesses. Results showed that these materials could be prioritized because of their evidential properties of gamma radiation protection in radiation applications.