Using XCOM and FFAST Data to Calculate and Study Certain X-Ray Protection Criteria for Lead-Tin-Antimony Alloy

The coefficient of mass attenuation (µ/ρ) for lead-tin-antimony (Pb-Sn-Sb) alloys was calculated using various theoretical methods, accounting for different proportions of the constituent elements in each alloy. The first approach involved calculating the coefficients of mass attenuation for each specific element using the "FFAST" software, followed by the application of a "mixing method" to determine Mass attenuation coefficient for the entire alloy. These results were then compared with those obtained directly via the "XCOM" software, showing a high degree of agreement. Furthermore, other shielding properties were calculated for each alloy, namely: the Half-Value Layer (HVL) and the Mean Free Path (MFP). These values were compared to identify the optimal alloy for radiation protection, with an investigation into how the addition of antimony enhances these shielding characteristics, ultimately aiming to determine the most effective alloy for practical use. The study also compared these properties across four different alloys, contributing to improved X-ray shielding efficiency a matter of particular importance for individuals frequently exposed to X-rays in research facilities and diagnostic medical centers.