Gamma-Ray Attenuation Properties of Flexible Silicone Rubber Materials while using Cs-137 as Radioactive Source

Abstract

In this study, pure silicone rubber and iron ore concentrate added silicone rubber materials were performed against Cs-137 gammasource. Cs-137 is accepted intermediate energy level gamma source in nuclear technology because of its energy peak at 0.662 MeV. Upto 67 wt. % iron ore concentrate added into silicone rubber materials were used in the experiments. Linear attenuation curves werecarried out for the studied samples against Cs-137 gamma energy. Increasing iron ore ratio in the materials caused the higher radiationshielding performance for Cs-137 gamma energy. In addition, increasing iron ore ratio decrease the total volume air bubbles in thesamples. Decreasing air bubbles in the samples has contributed to gamma ray shielding. 0.5 mmPbE and 1 mmPbE Lead equivalent(PbE) values were determined for the samples. 0.5mmPbE standard has been provided by using 2.83 mm thick of 67 wt. % iron oreconcentrate imbedded silicone rubber at 0.662 MeV gamma energy. In conclusion, iron ore concentrate imbedded silicone rubbermaterials are among the promising economic radiation shielding materials which could be alternative to lead.