Soy-lignin bonded Rhizophora spp. as a bio-based phantom: Impact of adhesives on attenuation

The feasibility of utilising soy-lignin bonded Rhizophora spp. wood was investigated as a sustainable, bio-based phantom material for radiation dosimetry applications. Various samples with differing thicknesses and adhesive compositions were prepared to evaluate the consistency and reliability of the material’s attenuation properties. The experimental assessment was conducted using two standard gamma-emitting radioisotopes, Cobalt-60 and Cesium-137, to encompass a range of photon energies relevant to medical radiation applications. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using the GATE platform to compute the linear and mass attenuation coefficients. The study evaluates the impact of adhesives on attenuation behaviour. The lowest overall attenuation variation of 0.06 to 1.40% was observed in the soy–lignin bonded Rhizophora spp. at a particle size of 104 to 210 µm with the addition of 6 and 12% adhesives, suggesting that changes in adhesive content do not appreciably affect the attenuation behaviour, demonstrating its potential as a bio-based phantom material in radiation study.