New composite based on recycled dust wood for fast neutrons and gamma rays shielding

Abstract

Composite with 6 different concentrations of Dust Wood, B2O3, and Styrene-Butadiene Rubber were prepared and tested for fast neutrons and gamma rays shielding using a narrow collimated beam from 241Am-Be and 137Cs sources respectively. Composite of 50% Dust Wood, 25% Styrene-Butadiene Rubber and 25% B2O3 is found to have the highest shielding effectiveness for both neutrons and gamma radiation. Results were then compared with those obtained theoretically for borated polyethylene at the same concentrations of boron. The new composite is found to be about 29% less effective for neutron shielding and about 15% more effective in case of gamma shielding. In a standard case study; door shielding in radiotherapy bunker; a thickness of 4.5 cm of the proposed composite could replace 3.2 cm of borated polyethylene (B = 5% wt). The new composite has two major advantages: first, it recycles Dust Wood as an unwanted waste, which helps protect the environment, and second, it provides a locally produced alternative to pricey BPE at a cost that is between 60% and 70% less than the average price worldwide.