Influence of Rare Earth Elements on the Radiation-Shielding Behavior of Serpentinite-Based Materials
Source abstract
Abstract
In this study, the neutron and gamma radiation-shielding properties of serpentinites from the Guleman ophiolite complex were investigated, and results were evaluated in comparison with rare earth element (REE) content. The linear and mass attenuation coefficients (LAC and MAC), half-value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic numbers (Zeff) of serpentinite samples were experimentally measured in the energy range of 80.99–383.85 keV. Theoretical MAC values were calculated. Additionally, fast neutron removal cross-sections, as well as thermal and fast neutron macroscopic cross-sections, were theoretically determined. The absorbed equivalent dose rates of serpentinite samples were also measured. The radiation protection efficiency (RPE) for gamma rays and neutrons were determined. It was observed that the presence of rare earth elements within serpentinite structure has a significant impact on thermal neutron cross-sections, while crystalline water content (LOI) plays an influential role in fast neutron cross-sections. Moreover, it has been observed that the concentration of gadolinium exerts a more substantial influence on the macroscopic cross-sections of thermal neutrons than on those of fast neutrons. The research results reveal the mineralogical, geochemical, morphological and radiation-shielding properties of serpentinite rocks contribute significantly to new visions for the use of this naturally occurring rock as a geological repository for nuclear waste or as a wall-covering material in radiotherapy centers and nuclear facilities instead of concrete.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Radiation Shielding Materials Analysis · Graphite, nuclear technology, radiation studies · Nuclear materials and radiation effects
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Geology, Faculty of Engineering, Fırat University, Elazığ 23119, Turkey
Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Atatürk University, Erzurum 25240, Turkey
Funding
Fırat University FÜBAP
References (45)
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