Evaluation of Some Heavyweight Minerals as Sustainable Neutron and Gamma-Ray Attenuating Materials: Comprehensive Theoretical and Simulation Investigations

This study comprehensively evaluates the radiation attenuation efficiencies of hematite and barite, commonly used materials in radiation shielding, using theoretical and simulation investigations. The MCNP-5 code was used to obtain the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) within the energy range of 0.015-15 MeV, with validation by the XCOM program. Based on these LAC values, various gamma-ray shielding parameters were determined: mass attenuation coefficient, half-value layer, radiation protection capacity, mean free path, transmission factor, and equivalent thickness to lead (ETPb). Additionally, effective atomic number (Z(eff)) and electron density (N-eff) were calculated, including both single-energy and energy-dependent forms for photon absorption and interaction. Furthermore, MCNP-5 simulations and NGCal program calculations were used to assess thermal neutron attenuation, while the NXcom program determined fast neutron behavior. This analysis revealed superior gamma-ray shielding for barite compared to hematite. Similarly, the NXcom program indicated better fast neutron shielding for barite. However, interestingly, simulations validated a 210% higher effectiveness in thermal neutron attenuation for hematite. Finally, comparing the studied materials with other shielding materials demonstrated promising potential as environmentally friendly alternatives for effective shielding against various radiation types.