Computation of Gamma Buildup Factors and Heavy Ions Penetrating Depths in Clay Composite Materials Using Phy-X/PSD, EXABCal and SRIM Codes

Most investigations of the gamma-shielding abilities materials are often based on Beer-Lambert law including recent studies clay-polyethylene composites. The findings usually silent secondary radiation effects that commonly occur due to photon buildup, known as Energy Absorption Buildup Factor (EABF) and Exposure (EBF). In this work, computation EABF EBF in region energy 0.015–15 MeV at different penetration depths or mean free paths up 40 mfp—and simulation 100 keV Cs Sr ion-penetration profiles clay–polyethylene composites (A–G) containing 0–30 wt% low density polyethylene (LPDE)—was carried out. buildup factors was performed using Phy-X/PSD EXABCal codes, ion-penetrating profile studied a Monte Carlo code called Stopping Range Ions Matter (SRIM). values functions depth. intermediate energy, higher for each samples. For given mfp, peak value either sample increases with LDPE clay matrix. projected range both ions samples decreased increasing bulk densities, having than all have lowest respective ranges A (of 2.03 g·cm−3; 0 LDPE), while highest were recorded G 1.34 30 respectively. This study reaffirmed suitability composite gamma-ray shielding applications; however, it may not yet be ready used backfill material mitigate migration fission products present radioactive nuclear wastes.