Gamma Radiation Shielding Performance of Cement–Bambusa Vulgaris Mortar Composites
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Abstract
Lead and concrete blocks are well known for shielding against ionizing radiation, but their use is limited due to their high density, toxicity, and environmental concerns. This study investigates the potential of Bambusa vulgaris (bamboo powder)-based mortar composites as an alternative gamma-ray radiation-shielding material. Different blends of bamboo powder, sand, and cement were chemically treated to produce binary and ternary composites. The elemental composition of Bambusa vulgaris was determined using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), while the radiation attenuation coefficients of the samples against rays were determined using a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector and Cs-137 gamma source (662 keV). Key shielding parameters, including Linear and Mass Attenuation Coefficients (LACs and MACs), Half-Value Layer (HVL), Tenth-Value Layers (TVLs), Mean Free Paths (MFPs), and compressive stress, were determined. The composite containing 57.14% bamboo, 28.57% sand, and 14.29% cement exhibited the most superior attenuation properties with LAC, MAC, HVL, TVL, MFP, and stress of 1.015 cm⁻¹, 1.067 cm²/g, 0.683 cm, 2.269 cm, 0.985 cm, and 0.620 kPa, respectively. The composite exhibits radiation attenuation capability but a lower mechanical strength. Thus, bamboo-based mortar may be explored for applications requiring gamma radiation protection.
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© 2023 The Author(s). Published by the College of Science, University of Baghdad. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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