What are the Best Radiation Shielding Materials?

The implementation of radiation shielding is dependent on the passage of intrinsically and extrinsically ionizing radiation via matter. The intensity and permitted radioactive dosage for a given site are defined, and the aim is to calculate the type of shielding and its constituent material. This article discusses the materials which are extensively employed for radiation shielding as well as the latest research focused on this topic.

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What is Radiation Shielding?

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) defines it as the process of radiation attenuation achieved by placing an absorbent substance between an individual, a workspace, or a radiation-sensitive instrument and any emitting radioactive source. The increased usage of radioactive substances is creating radioactive contamination, necessitating the development of improved substances to safeguard people.

Radiation may be a severe hazard in nuclear power plants, commercial or clinical x-ray installations, radionuclide initiatives, collider operations, and a variety of other situations. Radiation exposure, even in smaller concentrations, is extremely hazardous to people of all ages as well as the ecosystem. As a result, the adoption of appropriate shields is a critical need for ensuring the safety of nuclear radiation technologies.

Are All Materials Effective for Radiation Shielding?

Radiation emissions can include gamma radiation, neutron radiation, X-rays, etc. Specific materials are useful in protection against a specific type of radiation while the same material might not be effective for any other. Tungsten can efficiently absorb gamma radiation, but it may also create supplementary gamma radiation when subjected to neutron radiation shielding.

Lead - The Absolute Choice for X-rays and Gamma Shielding

Lead has long been considered "the element of choice" for radiation shielding due to its attenuating properties.

Lead is a corrosion-resistive and malleable metal. Lead's high density (11.34 grams per cubic centimeter) makes it an effective barrier against X-ray and gamma-ray radiation. Other key features, including a significant level of application flexibility, exceptional stability, and high atomic number, as well as its availability in a variety of forms, make it the best choice.

Lead Garments for Radiation Shielding

Pure lead is blended with resins and fillers to create a flexible lead vinyl film that may be worn as a radiation shielding material. The lead layers are then piled to the required thickness and inserted into the radiation shielding fabric to produce the desired lead comparability. For classic lead radiation shielding clothing, there are 3 standard levels of lead equivalent shielding: 0.25mm, 0.35mm, and 0.5mm.

Lead-Free Composites for Radiation Shielding &#; A Novel Study

To overcome the shortcomings of traditional lead garments, lead-free polymer composites have been developed as per research published in the journal Polymers. Because lead-impregnated shielding clothing is thick, improper handling and regular usage can degrade the fabric framework, diminishing its radiation buffering efficiency.

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The study looked into lead-free stretchable polymer composites including tin, bismuth, and cerium chemicals, both individually and in multi-layered architectures. To imitate regular wear circumstances, the materials were subjected to a simulated sweat test. After a month, this test demonstrated that only trace levels of metal substances were discharged. As a result, it was determined that the substance could function satisfactorily without compromising its radiation-shielding qualities.

Alpha and Beta Radiation Shielding

In the case of alpha and beta protection, density, rather than thickness, is a major consideration. A plastic substance or a 1-inch piece of paper may readily block alpha particles. Beta particles may be stopped using plastic, which is a more cost-effective technique. Despite the fact that lead is dense and thick, it has little influence on alpha and beta radiation.

Neutron Radiation Shielding

Because neutrons do not have a valence, they may penetrate through dense materials. To block neutron emission, low-atomic-number components are required. Hydrogen, the lightest of all the elements, is an excellent option. When neutron radiation flows through low-density hydrogen-based materials (such as water), the low-density substance creates an obstacle, blocking neutron rays from going through.

However, because the act of stopping neutrons can cause low-density substances to release gamma rays, both low- and high-density materials are routinely combined. The neutrons are elastically scattered by low-density substances, while the ensuing gamma rays are blocked by high-density materials via in-elastic scattering.

Nanomaterials for Radiation Shielding

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been used as a radiation absorbent in nanostructured materials with non-functionalized and 2&#;5% polymeric SWNTs in a polyethylene substrate. Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have also shown to be efficient against infrared radiation.

Nanofoams are being investigated for their potential as radiation-shielding materials. In the future, nanoparticles might be used in modules for the evolution of new radiation-shielding devices like electromagnetic or electrochemical shielding systems.

Research Advances

The nuclear shielding ability to germinate tellurite glass has just been discovered in a new study published in the Journal of Taibah University for Science. The chemical makeup of the glass had an effect on the density; it rose proportionally with the molarity of TeO2. The glasses' LACs (µ) were a crucial characteristic for characterizing photon interaction and shielding qualities. The glass with the maximum photon and electron sheltering capability was one with a chemical composition of 12.5GeO2&#;87.5TeO2.

Research is being carried out extensively all over the world on radiation shielding materials. Radiation shielding for space equipment and for advanced nuclear institutions is the center of focus.

More from AZoM: The Composition of Nuclear Protection Suits

References and Further Reading

Gilys L, Griškonis E, Griškevičius P, Adlienė D. Lead Free Multilayered Polymer Composites for Radiation Shielding. Polymers. . 14(9).. Available at: https://doi.org/10./polym

CMNA, . What Makes Lead Good for Radiation Shielding?. [Online]
Available at: https://www.canadametal.com/lead-good-for-radiation-shielding/

Jaquith, K., . 3 Different Types of Radiation Shielding Materials. [Online]
Available at: https://blog.universalmedicalinc.com/3-different-types-radiation-shielding-materials/

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Nada A. et. al. () Comparison of radiation shielding and elastic properties of germinate tellurite glasses with the addition of Ga2O3, Journal of Taibah University for Science. 16(1). 183-192, Available at: https://doi.org/10./..

MarShield, . Choosing the Right Radiation Shielding: Factors Considered by a Shielding Materials Expert. [Online]
Available at: https://marshield.com/choosing-the-right-radiation-shielding-factors-considered-by-a-shielding-materials-expert/

More, C. V., Alsayed, Z., Badawi, M., Thabet, A., & Pawar, P. P. (). Polymeric composite materials for radiation shielding: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters. 19(3). -. Available at: https://doi.org/10./s-021--9

Med Pro, . What Materials Block Radiation?. [Online]
Available at: https://med-pro.net/what-materials-block-radiation/

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.

Radiation Protection Activity

The three principles of radiation protection are time, distance and shielding. To minimize your exposure to ionizing radiation, limit the amount of time you spend near a radioactive source, increase the distance between you and a radioactive source, and put a barrier, like a concrete wall, between you and a radioactive source. People who work with radiation use these three principles every day to stay safe in their work. This activity is intended for middle and high school students.

On this page:

Objectives

Students will:

• Investigate how time, distance and shielding can reduce exposure risks.

Next Generation Science Standards

The concepts in this activity can be used to support the following science standards:

• PS4. Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation

Materials and Resources

Each italicized document title can be found at the bottom of this page, and is available for printing and distribution.

• Radiation Protection: Teacher Background Information
• Vocabulary Materials
• Radiation Protection Worksheet (one per student, pair or group)
• Applying Time, Distance and Shielding Worksheet (one per student, pair or group)
• Option A (per group or class based on supplies available)
  • Geiger counter and radioactive source (e.g., commercially purchased source, Fiesta dinnerware, luminescent clock or watch face, or gas camping lantern with a thorium mantel)
  • Alternative to Geiger counter: Heat source (e.g., hot plate or heat lamp)
  • Measuring device (ruler, measuring stick or tape measure)
  • Clock with a second hand or a stopwatch
  • A thermometer (if using a heat source)
  • Shielding sources (e.g., piece of glass, clothing or aluminum foil; or sheet of paper or metal)
• Option B and C:
  •  Student computers with Internet access or printed resources for students with information about protection measures taken in nuclear reactor incident(s)

Time

45-60 minutes, depending on the activity option chosen. Students may also complete the activity outside of class and discuss their findings in the next class period.

Vocabulary

• Geiger counter
• Ionizing radiation
• Radiation
• Radiation exposure
• Radiation protection

Directions

1. Start with a vocabulary activity if students are not familiar with radiation and the terms used in this activity, or provide students with the terms and definitions.
    
2. Explain that there are situations in which we may or may not have control over our exposure to ionizing radiation. Ask students:
   • When do we not have control over our exposure to radiation? We do not have control over our exposure to some naturally occurring (background) radiation, and we may not have control over our exposure to undetected sources of radiation.
   • When do we have control over our exposure to radiation? Examples may include when evaluating whether to have an x-ray or medical procedure (using radiation), when testing for and fixing radon levels in your home, or when following warnings or emergency response directives and staying away from radioactive areas.
   • Why might we want to limit our exposure to radiation when possible? Radiation can deposit energy in body tissue and can damage or kill cells.
      
3. Select and prepare an activity option:
   • Option A: Have students use a Geiger counter and a radioactive source or heat source and thermometer to conduct an experiment and test possible radiation protection methods. Provide time, distance and shielding materials that are listed in Materials and Resources.
   • Option B: Have students predict what steps they can or might take to reduce their exposure to radiation (e.g., if living near a radioactive area like an abandoned uranium mine, if finding an orphan radioactive source, or in the event of a nuclear explosion or accident). 
   • Option C: Have students research what radiation protection concepts are, and have been, used in radiological emergencies (e.g., Japan&#;s Fukushima nuclear power plant incident or other historical nuclear power plant incidents).
   • Option D: Have students interview a person who practices radiation protection at work to determine what radiation practices are followed according to the source(s) of radiation used. Interviewees may include medical, dental or veterinary staff; x-ray equipment or environmental inspectors; people who test and resolve radon issues; Department of Health staff who deal with radiation issues; truck drivers who haul radioactive materials; emergency responders; researchers; power plant workers; radon mitigation workers; and construction workers who use moisture and density nuclear gauges.
      
4. Explain to students that their task is to hypothesize and test (or research) ways people can limit their exposure to ionizing radiation.
    
5. Introduce the three main concepts of radiation protection. Determine how much information you want to provide about these concepts before students complete the activity and investigate the concepts. For instance if using Option A, you may want students to identify these concepts through the activity and review the concepts afterwards. Information on the concepts (time, distance and shielding) can be found in the Radiation Protection: Teacher Background Information.
    
6. Distribute the Radiation Protection Worksheet (if using Option A) or the Time, Distance and Shielding Worksheet (if using Options B through D). Have students work in pairs or small groups to conduct the activity and complete the worksheet. Students should determine that one can limit their exposure by:
   • Limiting their time spent near a radiation source.
   • Increasing the distance from a radiation source.
   • Using shielding to provide a barrier between themselves and a radiation source.
      
7. Have students share the radiation protection concepts they identified in their experiment or research and how they help reduce or eliminate a person&#;s exposure to radiation. Prompt students to consider how using two or more forms of protection might affect a person&#;s exposure level. NOTE: You may want to extend Activity Option A and have students hypothesize and test how using two or more forms of protection might affect a person&#;s exposure level if they did not already do so.
    
8. Since answers will vary based on the activity chosen for the classroom, no teacher key is provided. Please see Radiation Protection: Teacher Background Information for additional information about concepts and radiation protection principles.

Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

The concepts in the Time, Distance and Shielding activity align with the following:
CCSS English Language Arts Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, & Technical Subjects:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6-12.1 Comprehension and Collaboration
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-12.2 Text Types and Purposes
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-12.9 Research to Build and Present Knowledge

CCSS Mathematics Standards:

• CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1 
• CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP2 
• CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP5 
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.SP.B.5
  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.SP.B.5.B
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.EE.B.4
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSN.Q.A.1

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Printable  Worksheets and Classroom Aids