Effective of prompt and delayed gamma emission on the nuclear radiation shielding effectiveness of prevalent natural minerals

This study aims to explore the neutron and emphasizing gamma emission (prompt and delayed) radiation attenuation capabilities of the different natural minerals, including Magnetite, Rutile, Ilmenite, and concrete NBS materials. The Monte Carlo N-Particle simulation code (MCNP) and the EpiXs software (EpX) have been used to inspect the studied compounds against neutrons associated with secondary energetic γ-rays at the range 0.03-15 MeV of energy through different thicknesses 2-12 cm. For all materials, linear attenuation coefficients (µ), effective atomic number (Z_ef), half-value layer (H_0.5), tenth value layer (T_0.1), mean free path (MFP), and radiation protection efficieny (RP_E) are estimated. Additionally, fast neutrons flux, secondary γ-rays, the cross-section for the removal of fast neutrons (Σ_R), the half-value thickness (HVLn), and the relaxation length (λn) were accurately calculated. The results show that Magnetite minerals are better than Rutile, Ilmenite, and concrete NBS minerals at lower energies zones. Moreover, it is more effective in providing protection against intense photons, fast neutrons, and secondary produced γ-rays, which makes this mixture an potentional common shield for a combination of various environmental radiation.