An extensive investigation on gamma ray shielding features of Pd/Ag-based alloys

TLDR

The study evaluates Pd/Ag alloys as potential gamma‑ray shielding materials by examining their photon interaction properties. Mass attenuation coefficients of the alloys were measured from 81 to 1333 keV with an HPGe detector and compared to theoretical and MCNPX simulations. Measured μ/ρ values agree with WinXCOM and MCNPX predictions, and the Pd75/Ag25 alloy shows the highest shielding efficiency (~53 % at 81 keV) and lowest half‑value layer among the tested alloys.

Abstract

A comprehensive study of photon interaction features has been made for some alloys containing Pd and Ag content to evaluate its possible use as alternative gamma radiations shielding material. The mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) of the present alloys was measured at various photon energies between 81 keV–1333 keV utilizing HPGe detector. The measured μ/ρ values were compared to those of theoretical and computational (MCNPX code) results. The results exhibited that the μ/ρ values of the studied alloys are in the same line with results of WinXCOM software and MCNPX code results at all energies. Moreover, Pd75/Ag25 alloy sample has the maximum radiation protection efficiency (about 53% at 81 keV) and lowest half value layer, which shows that Pd75/Ag25 has superior gamma radiation shielding performance among the other compared alloys.