Comparative Studies of Radiation Shielding and Gamma-Ray Attenuation Properties of Polymers and Oxide Materials

In nuclear, medical, aeronautical, and industrial applications, radiation shielding from gamma rays is an essential necessity. Due to their large atomic number and density, conventional heavy metals like lead offer superior shielding; however, disadvantages including toxicity and weight have prompted research into substitute materials. Promising options include oxide-based materials (such as heavy metal oxide glasses and ceramics) and polymers (particularly polymer composites with high atomic number fillers). In this review, the mass/linear attenuation coefficients, half-value layer (HVL), effective atomic number (Zeff), and practical concerns for shielding efficacy are compared between the gamma-ray attenuation properties of polymers and oxide materials. The objective is to draw attention to the ways that composition and material design affect shielding performance and to suggest areas for further study.