Structural Study of Nano-Clay and Its Effectiveness in Radiation Protection against X-rays

Abstract

With the increasing applications of nuclear technology, radiation protection has become very important especially for the environment and the personnel close to radiation sources. Natural clays can be used potentially for shielding the X-ray radiations. In this study, the correlation between structural parameters and radiation shielding performance of natural clay extracted from Algerian Sahara (Adrar, Reggan, and Timimoune) was investigated. Phase composition and structural parameters (lattice parameters, average crystallite size, and microstrain) were determined by the Rietveld refinements of X-ray diffraction patterns in the frame of HighScore Plus software. The obtained results showed that the studied clays are nanocrystalline (nano-clay) since the calculated crystallite size was ≈3 nm for the feldspar phase. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of all phases already detected by XRD analysis besides Biotite (around the band at 3558 cm−1). The remaining bands corresponded to absorbed and adsorbed water (3432 cm−1 and 1629 cm−1, respectively) and atmospheric CO2 (2356 cm−1). The shielding properties (mass absorption coefficient—µ/ρ and radiative attenuation rate—RA) for (green-yellow, green, and red) clays of Adrar, (red, white, and white-red) clays of Reggan, and red clay of Timimoune at same energy level were examined. The results of clay samples were compared with each other. The obtained results indicated that the green clay of Adrar exhibited the superior radiation shielding, i.e., 99.8% and 243.4 cm2/g for radiative attenuation rate and mass absorption coefficient, respectively.

Multicomponent X-ray Shielding Using Sulfated Cerium Oxide and Bismuth Halide Composites

“…The shielding ratio was further enhanced for PDMS/S-CeO 2 . Crucially, because sulfated functionalization increases the surface electron density of the metal oxide, there is a greater chance for X-ray photons to interact with the electrons in the composite, lowering the photon energy, and attenuating the X-ray beam [ 35 , 36 ]. Thus, the results confirm that sulfation improved the radiation-shielding performance.…”

Comprehensive physicochemical characterization of Algerian coal powders for the engineering of advanced sustainable materials

“…Table 1 provides a detailed enumeration of the structural characteristics of the primary phases, which played a crucial role in the accurate fitting of the experimental XRD patterns associated with our samples. This incorporation of theoretical insights during the Rietveld Refinements is aimed at enhancing comparative analysis, especially given the widespread adoption of High-Score Plus software among researchers for the nuanced analysis of XRD patterns [23]. This approach underscores the software's utility in revealing complex phase compositions, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the material's structural intricacies.…”

“…Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is revered as a cornerstone of analytical techniques, acclaimed for its remarkable sensitivity and the ability to discern the subtlest of compositional nuances within materials. Its finesse in detecting a wide array of bonding arrangements and functional moieties unfurls a vast spectrum of chemical intelligence [23]. Owing to its meticulous accuracy and comprehensive analytical scope, FTIR has become an essential tool in the domain of mineralogical investigations [23].…”

“…Its finesse in detecting a wide array of bonding arrangements and functional moieties unfurls a vast spectrum of chemical intelligence [23]. Owing to its meticulous accuracy and comprehensive analytical scope, FTIR has become an essential tool in the domain of mineralogical investigations [23].…”

Polyurethane reinforced with micro/nano waste slag as a shielding panel for photons (experimental and theoretical study)

“…By adding different kinds of fillers to the PU foam, their functional properties can be controlled. Various nanofillers, such as graphene is used to improve the performance of thermal insulation foams 1 , nano clay is used to improve radiation protection against photons 2 , nano- and micro-silica fillers are used to improve compressive strength and density 3 , nano-SiO 2 is used to improve their structure and mechanical properties 4 , and Pb is used to improve gamma-ray nuclear shielding 5 and etc.…”