Characterization and Radiation Shielding Properties of Philippine Natural Bentonite and Zeolite

In this paper, the investigation of structural and radiation shielding characteristics natural bentonite zeolite was presented. XRD (X-ray diffraction) SEM (scanning electron microscopy) were used to examine properties morphologies minerals. The Electron-Photon Interaction Cross Sections 2017 (EPICS2017) library through EpiXS software obtain photon – including mass attenuation coefficients, mean free paths, half-value tenth-value layers, effective atomic numbers, buildup factors for energy absorption exposure. ESTAR web program SRIM code ion stopping powers ranges. neutron removal cross-sections fast thermal obtained using Phy-X/PSD, MRCsC, NGCal software. results showed that grain sizes typically smaller than 50 µm, while larger reaching 100 µm. It found both materials significantly composed mordenite montmorillonite. quantities similar MFP, HVL, TVL values with different factor at large penetration depths. high-energy charged particle range within described trends values. alpha particles average materials. higher typical soil Both may be suitable candidate ingredients composites, especially due their abundance unique properties.