Shielding Properties of Some Marble Types: A Comprehensive Study of Experimental and XCOM Results
Mohamed Elsafi,
Mohamed A. El-Nahal,
M. F. Alrashedi,
O. I. Olarinoye,
M. I. Sayyed,
Mayeen Uddin Khandaker,
Hamid Osman,
Sultan Alamri,
M. I. Abbas
Affiliations
Mohamed Elsafi
Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt
Mohamed A. El-Nahal
Department of Environmental Studies, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21526, Egypt
M. F. Alrashedi
Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt
O. I. Olarinoye
Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna 920271, Nigeria
M. I. Sayyed
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Isra University, Amman 11622, Jordan
Mayeen Uddin Khandaker
Centre for Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies, School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
Hamid Osman
Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
Sultan Alamri
Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
M. I. Abbas
Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt
In this work, some marble types were collected from Egypt, and their shielding characteristics were estimated. Their rigidity, in addition to their elegant shape, led us to consider their use as a protective shield, in addition to making the workplace more beautiful. The mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) was calculated for three types of marble (Breshia, Galala, and Trista) experimentally, using a narrow gamma ray source and high pure germanium (HPGe). The results obtained were compared with the XCOM program and indicated a very good agreement between the two methods. The linear attenuation coefficient (μ) was evaluated to calculate the half and tenth value layers. The maximum μ value of 1.055, 1.041, and 1.024 cm−1 was obtained for Breshia, Galala, and Trista, respectively, at 0.06 MeV. The mean free path for studying the materials was compared with other shielding materials and showed good results at different energy scales. The energy absorption (EABF) and exposure buildup factors (EBF) were determined at different mean free paths. The fast neutron removal cross section ΣR was calculated and expresses the ability of the marbles to slow down fast neutrons through multiple scattering. This is the ability of the marbles to shield fast neutrons.
