Characteristics of Nuclear Radiation Shielding using Natural Bentonitic Shale

With the wide use of radioactive materials, it is important to look for locally available and inexpensive materials to serve as efficient absorbers, suitable for shielding against radiation hazards. Due to its widespread availability and affordability, natural bentonitic shale is a viable option for use as a nuclear shielding material. In this study, natural bentonitic samples were cut into cylindrical pellets of varying thicknesses. The chemical composition of the natural bentonitic shale samples was determined through the use of X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. The linear and mass attenuation coefficients of bentonitic samples were evaluated using a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector at 662 keV energy of 137Cs, as well as at 1,173 keV and 1,332 keV energies of 60Co, gamma-ray sources. The experimental results indicated that bentonitic samples B3 and M2 exhibited superior shielding parameters compared to other bentonitic samples, attributable to their elevated densities. These two samples are distinguished by a high CaO content and a low Al₂O₃ content. Furthermore, the Half Value Layer (HVL), Tenth Value Layer (TVL), and mean free path thicknesses were calculated at these energies using linear attenuation coefficients. The theoretical mass attenuation coefficient, calculated with the assistance of the XCOM program and experimental estimates, was found to be in good agreement with the theoretical value.