The gamma radiation shielding properties of tin-doped composites: experimental and theoretical comparison

Abstract In this study, the gamma radiation shielding properties of tin (Sn)-containing polymer composites were investigated. A polymer matrix was created with cobalt octoate (6 %), methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP), and unsaturated polyester resin. Then, as filler, Sn was introduced to this polymer matrix at specific rates. The mass attenuation coefficients, linear attenuation coefficients, radiation transmission factor, half value layers, mean free path values, and effective atomic numbers parameters were acquired in order to investigate the gamma radiation attenuation properties of the fabricated polymer composites. The HPGe detector was used to conduct experimental research at 22 distinct energies emitted from 22 Na, 54 Mn, 57 Co, 60 Co, 133 Ba, 137 Cs, 152 Eu and 241 Am radioactive sources in the photon energy range of 59.5–1,408.0 keV. The theoretical results and each acquired experimental result were compared. It was found that the sample encoded with Sn (20 %) provides the best gamma radiation protection among the composites under study.