Fabrication of Gamma-Ray Shielding Using Rapid Breakdown Anodization

Abstract

The  rapid  breakdown  anodizing  method  was used  to  produce  (Bi, Bi₂O₃), (Pb, PbO₂), and WO₃ nanoparticles. These particles are utilized to fabricate gamma-ray shielding. The X-ray diffraction test displayed polycrystalline structures for all samples. Scanning electron microscope images illustrated the formation of (Bi, Bi₂O₃) and (Pb, PbO₂) nanoplates and WO₃ semi-sphere particles. Pressures of 318, 477, and 636 MPa were applied to reduce vacancies within the prepared powders and increase their densities. Cylindrical samples with a diameter of 14 mm and different thicknesses were formed. Utilizing gamma rays produced by sources like Am-241 (59.54 keV), Cs-137 (661.6 keV), Co-60 (1173 keV), and Co-60 (1332 keV), the shielding characteristics of the manufactured samples were studied. The linear attenuation coefficient, mass attenuation coefficient, and half-value layer were determined after the gamma flux was measured using a NaI(Tl) detector. The two attenuation coefficients were functions of the source energy, and they had the highest values for (Pb, PbO₂) and the lowest for the WO₃ sample. The atomic numbers of the elements used and the size of the voids inside the prepared powders played the greatest role in determining the values of the shielding parameters.