Gamma-ray Shielding Capacity of Ceramics Tb and Fe Doped with Y۲Zr۲O۷

In this research, a Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate the gamma-ray shielding properties of ceramics doped with Tb and Fe in Y₂Zr₂O₇, within the photon energy range of ۰.۰۱۵ to ۱۵ MeV. We calculated the linear and mass attenuation coefficients, half-value layer, tenth-value layer, mean free path, effective atomic number, and fast neutron removal cross section. To validate the simulation, the results were compared with data obtained from the Phy-X program. It was observed that the data from the Phy-X program and the Geant ۴ simulation tool were in good agreement. The ceramic sample YTF۰۱۵, due to the addition of terbium, showed a significant increase in densification and microstructural development, leading to improved flexural strength and enhanced protection against fast neutrons and gamma radiation. The results indicate that energy levels significantly affect gamma-ray penetration. Furthermore, for the photon energy of ۰.۵۱۱ MeV, where the mass attenuation coefficient increased from ۰.۰۵۸ to ۰.۰۹۶ cm²/g, YTF۰۱۵ demonstrated superior shielding performance against gamma rays compared to other samples. In conclusion, YTF۰۱۵ ceramics exhibited strong shielding properties, achieving ۳۵% to ۵۵% of the shielding capacity of pure lead element in the intermediate energy range of ۰.۱ to ۲ MeV. This shows that the composition and microstructure of ceramic materials can be optimized to improve damping properties for applications in medical physics applications.

کلیدواژه ها:

Monte Carlo Simulations ، Gamma-ray Shielding ، Attenuation coefficient ، ceramics