Performance and feasibility evaluation for radiation shielding of metal oxides: Monte Carlo simulation

A lead is mainly used for radiation shielding owing to high density and atomic number, but lead is a harmful substance and has disadvantages such as heavy weight and toxicity. In this study, each material chosen is tellurium trioxide (TeO3), tin dioxide (SnO2), gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3), bismuth trioxide (Bi2O3), and tungsten dioxide (WO2). Monte Carlo simulation has been carried out for calculating half-layer value and linear attenuation coefficient as shielding parameters. In addition, feasibility was evaluated by comparing lead dioxide (PbO2) with lead-free oxide one following the weight and thickness in the simulation as using various shielding performance. A result indicated that gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) has the most lightweight value in the shielding performance of 50%, 70%, and 90% of 120 kV and 150 kV. It expected to reduce radiation dose with lightweight and provide basic data to develop the apron using proper material powder.