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Study of radiation attenuation properties by incorporating a zinc oxide and conjugated hole transport material into polystyrene
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M. Marashdeh   , M.J. Aljaafreh |
| Department of Physics, College of Sciences, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia , mwmarashdeh@imamu.edu.sa |
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Abstract: (6 Views) |
Background: This study aims to understand the impact of material composition on radiation attenuation by integrating polystyrene (PS) composites with a conjugated hole transport material (MADN) and zinc oxide (ZnO). The high atomic number of zinc is expected to enhance photon interactions, making ZnO a promising additive for radiation shielding applications. Materials and Methods: PS composites with varying concentrations of MADN (1.3%–4.5%, denoted as PM0–PM5) and ZnO (PMZnO1–PMZnO5) were prepared. Linear and mass attenuation coefficients were measured at photon energies of 59.5 keV, 661.7 keV, 1173.2 keV, and 1332.5 keV. Furthermore, the half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) were evaluated to assess the attenuation behavior at these energy levels. Results: The PM0–PM5 samples exhibited similar mass attenuation coefficients, which is attributed to the predominant presence of carbon and hydrogen atoms. The addition of ZnO significantly increased the mass attenuation coefficient, especially at lower photon energies, owing to the higher atomic number of zinc, which enhances photoelectric absorption and photon interactions. ZnO addition also reduced the HVL, particularly at 59.5 keV, where composites with higher ZnO concentrations exhibited significantly lower HVL values, indicating stronger attenuation. Conclusion: The findings highlight the crucial roles of atomic number and material density in radiation attenuation, with ZnO effectively enhancing photon attenuation in PS composites. This effect is particularly significant at lower photon energies, validating ZnO’s potential as a useful additive for improved radiation shielding in PS composites. |
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| Keywords: Polystyrenes, zinc oxide, half-value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), radiation attenuation. |
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Full-Text [PDF 904 kb]
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Radiation Biology
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