RADIATION SHIELDING PERFORMANCE OF DOUBLE-LAYERED TIN-PDMS AGAINST 661.7 KEV GAMMA RAYS

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the ability of double-layered tin-PDMS composites to block gamma radiation at medium energy levels using Cs-137 (661.7 keV). Three composite series were fabricated, known as the PS, AS, and TM series, with different tin content and layer arrangements for observation purposes.  Measurements are performed on two distinct irradiation surfaces of the series involving shielding parameters such as the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), radiation protection efficiency (RPE), half-value layer (HVL), and tenth-value layer (TVL). Analysis reveals that the irradiation surface has a substantial impact on the shielding performance of the material. The highest RPE value was recorded for the TM6 composite with the alloy irradiation surface at 22.052%, with a LAC of 0.996 cm⁻¹, MAC of 0.187 cm²/g, HVL of 0.696 cm, and TVL of 2.311 cm. The TM6 exhibits exceptional shielding properties, which prove its capability as a potential radiation shielding material for medium-energy gamma ray protection applications. On the other hand, the RPEs for pure lead and pure PDMS were 48.863 and 5.502 percent, respectively. According to the results, various double-layer tin-PDMS material compositions have good promise for attenuation, and the TM6 arrangement may be helpful as a lighter and safer substitute for traditional lead shielding.