Properties of cement Portland composite prepared with Barium sulfate and Bismuth oxide for radiation shielding
Gunjanaporn Tochaikul, Manus Mongkolsuk, Phetnarin Kobutree, Supannika Kawvised, Phornpailin Pairodsantikul, Paramest Wongsa, Nutthapong Moonkum
Abstract
Radiation is useful but can be harmful to humans if used carelessly. Therefore, radiation protection equipment is necessary for workers. In this paper, we aim to study a cement composite with BaSO4/Bi2O3 for protection against X-rays and gamma rays. The shielding ability was measured using a diagnostic X-ray with energies of 60–120 keV and gamma rays of Cs-137, Ba-133, Co-57 and the morphology structure was determined including radiation protection properties. The results showed that Portland cement with a high concentration of BaSO4/Bi2O3 had the ability to absorb radiation from X-rays in the range of 95.54–99.87% and gamma energy in the range of 93.37–98.88%. Moreover, the composite of BaSO4/Bi2O3 induced a homogenous structure of Portland cement possibly affecting the strength of the material. In addition, Portland shielding can be designed for use in related applications in various energy ranges including ones that are environmentally friendly and suitable for the development of radiation protection in the future.