Structural, magnetic and gamma-ray shielding features of Zn doped Mg2FeTiO6 double perovskite

Zn doped Mg2FeTiO6 double perovskite was synthetized by solid state reaction method with various Zn concentrations. The synthesis process was developed in detail. The XRD analysis shows A-site substitution of Magnesium cations with those of zinc giving the Mg2(1-x)Zn2xFeTiO6 nanopowders of grain size in the order of 20 nm dissolved in monoclinic crystal system of P2(1)/c space group. The magnetization measurement for an applied magnetic field of +/- 10 kOe range at the temperatures 10 and 300 K shows that the Mg2(1-x)Zn2xFeTiO6 nano experienced a transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic behavior by varying the Zn-doping percentage. The gamma shielding properties for Mg2(1-x)Zn2xFeTiO6 of the prepared material were assessed experimentally through measured the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC). The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) values were calculated and compared with XCOM data from LAC values. The Zn-doping percentage enhanced all gamma shielding properties. For example, the LAC at 184 keV records 0.34819, 0.48421, 0.58233, 0.62176, 0.6503, and 0.68917 cm(-1) for CS0, CS0.1, CS0.2, CS0.3, CS0.4, and CS0.5, respectively. In contrast, the mean free path increases from 1.4510 to 3.1374 cm at 184 keV and 810 keV, denoting any system's reduced radiation absorption efficiency with increasing energy. The radiation protection efficiency (RPE) reduced gradually with rising energy, and RBE values for the CS0.5 sample ranged between 96.8121 and 79.6815% at energy 184-810 keV. Based on these results, it is concluded that CS0.5 can be used in the gamma shielding field.

Automated summary

Zn-doped Mg2FeTiO6 double perovskite with different Zn concentrations was successfully synthesized. The XRD analysis revealed that Zn substitution affected the magnetic behavior of the material. Experimental results also showed that Zn doping enhanced the gamma shielding properties, with the CS0.5 sample exhibiting the best radiation protection efficiency.