Production of a novel high strength heavy concrete using tourmaline and galena for neutron and photon radiation shielding

Background: High density concrete is extensively used for efficient radiation attenuation in radiotherapy rooms and nuclear reactors. Over the past eight years, some efficient galena-based concrete samples for shielding X or gamma rays was produced. The goal of this study was to produce a novel high density concrete against neutron and photon radiations using tourmaline and galena. Materials and Methods: Attenuation of gamma photons was measured using a Farmer type ionization chamber with a standard 60Co buildup cap on a Theratron 60Co therapy unit. Neutron shielding characteristics were measured by using an Am-Be source. The MCNP4C radiation transport computer code was used to investigate the effects of various shield thicknesses on the attenuation of gamma-ray photons and neutrons. Results: The concrete samples had a density of 4.0- 4.2 g/cm3. The compressive strength was 326 - 560 kg/cm2. The calculated value for Half Value Layer (HVL) of the tourmaline-galena concrete samples for 60Co gamma rays was 2.72 cm, which is much less than that of ordinary concrete (6.0 cm). The MC-derived HVL for photons with the same energy was 2.77 cm, which is in a good agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, ToGa concrete had up to 10 times greater neutron attenuation compared to that of the reference concrete. Conclusion: Tourmalin-Galena Concrete opens a new horizon in economic and efficient gamma/neutron shielding in high-energy radiotherapy bunkers, nuclear power plants, and shielding of radioactive sources.