A study on the radiation shielding properties of new type ceramics containing terbium oxide

The study investigates the radiation shielding properties of new types of ceramics undoped and doped with Terbium oxide (Tb4O7). These materials were analyzed through theoretical calculations using the WinXCom code. Ceramic content was planned as 40Al2Si2O5(OH)4-30KAlSi3O8-(30-x) SiO2-xTb4O7 where varies from 0 to 30 weight%. The mass attenuation coefficient (µρ), half-value thickness (Δ0.5), effective atomic numbers (Zeff), and electron densities (Nel) were determined theoretically. Also, exposure (EBF) and energy absorption (EABF) buildup factor values of ceramics were determined theoretically using the EpiXS program. The theoretical densities of the ceramics increased with the addition of Tb4O7, ranging from 2.646 g/cm³ to 4.041 g/cm³ as the Tb4O7 content increased from 0 wt% to 30 wt%. Increasing the density of a ceramic material through doping also plays a key role in improving its ability to absorb and attenuate radiation. The findings demonstrate that doping ceramics with Tb4O7 enhances their shielding capabilities against gamma radiation. After this study has established the necessary infrastructure, the aim is to perform experimental measurements and compare the results with those of this study. We also believe that this study will provide the basis for future experimental studies. We believe this study’s results of this study may be useful in technological applications.