Cs-137 Gamma Ray Attenuation Properties of Flexible Silicone Rubber Materials

Abstract

IIn this study, pure silicone rubber and iron ore concentrate added silicone rubber materials were performed against Cs-137 gamma source. Cs-137 is accepted medium energy level gamma source in nuclear technology. Up to 67 wt. % iron ore concentrate added into silicone rubber materials were used in the experiments. Linear attenuation graphs were carried out for the studied samples against Cs-137 gamma source which has unique peak at 0.662 MeV energy. Increasing iron ore ratio in the materials caused the higher radiation shielding performance for Cs-137 gamma source. In addition, increasing iron ore ratio decrease the total volume air bubbles in the samples. Decreasing air bubbles in the samples has contributed to gamma ray shielding.\xa0 0.5 mmPbE and 1 mmPbE Lead equivalent (PbE) values were determined for the samples. 0.5mmPbE standard has been provided by using 2.83 mm thick of 67 wt. % iron ore concentrate imbedded silicone rubber at 0.662 MeV gamma energy. In conclusion, iron ore concentrate imbedded silicone rubber materials are among the promising economic radiation shielding materials which could be alternative to lead.