A comprehensive analysis on radiation shielding characteristics of borogypsum (boron waste) by Phy-X/PSD code

Abstract

In the present study, radiation shielding characteristics of the borogypsum, which is a waste generated during the boric acid production in Turkey, was analyzed. For this purpose, we used recently developed Phy-X/PSD software, which is provided to calculate shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient, linear attenuation coefficient, half-value layer, tenth-value layer, effective atomic number, total atomic cross section, total electronic cross section, effective conductivity, effective electron number, buildup factors and fast neutron removal cross section in a wide photon energy range. Additionally, mass attenuation coefficients of borogypsum were compared with those of other radiation shielding materials (ordinary concrete, obsidian, pumice, clay) in order to give a significant evaluation about the radiation shielding capability of borogypsum. Half value layer and fast neutron removal cross section values are also evaluated by other materials. It is noticed that borogypsum has higher shielding potential than other reported shielding materials.