Two-step investigation on fabrication and characterization of iron-reinforced novel composite materials for nuclear-radiation shielding applications

In the present study, iron (Fe)-reinforced novel composite materials were produced as alternative shielding materials. In this context, linear attenuation coefficients and mass attenuation coefficients (MAC), half- and tenth-value layers, mean free path (MFP) and effective atomic number were determined. An experimental gamma-ray transmission setup was utilized for determination of MAC values. To confirm the consistency of experimental results, the obtained MAC values were compared with those produced using the WinXcom program and MCNPX Monte Carlo code. Moreover, exposure buildup factors and energy absorption buildup factors were calculated using a geometric progression fitting method. Relative dose distribution values of fabricated samples were calculated at 5, 10 and 20 MFP penetration depths up to 10 MeV. In addition to gamma-ray attenuation properties, basic interaction parameters of charged particles such as protons and alpha mass stopping powers, alpha projected ranges and proton projected ranges were determined in the 0.015-15 MeV energy range. Finally, variation of fast neutron removal cross-section versus increasing Fe concentration in composites was investigated. The composite with the highest Fe addition (20%) showed the best shielding capacity for gamma radiation.