Researchers have recently delved deep to unravel the radiation shielding properties of four natural rock types—diorite, granodiorite, tonalite, and granite—revealing their potential as effective barriers against harmful radiation. This comprehensive study utilized both experimental measurements and advanced simulations to assess how well these rocks can protect against gamma rays and neutrons, two prevalent forms of ionizing radiation.
The importance of this research stems from the growing use of devices emitting ionizing radiation, which are commonplace across various fields including medicine, industry, and nuclear power. While these technologies enable significant advancements, they also carry inherent health risks if exposure is uncontrolled, potentially leading to serious health complications, including cancer. Therefore, the development of efficient radiation shielding materials is of utmost importance.
The research team, comprised of experts from varying institutions, obtained samples of the four rock types from the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt, known for its rich geological formations. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) was employed to analyze the elemental composition of the samples, which provided insight necessary for assessing their shielding capabilities. Coupled with theoretical calculations through Monte Carlo simulations, the researchers investigated the gamma shielding properties as well as the materials’ ability to attenuate fast neutrons.
The experimental approach involved the use of high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors, measuring radiation attenuation across specific energy levels—0.060, 0.662, 1.173, and 1.332 MeV. The results showcased substantial variations among the rock types, particularly highlighting tonalite's effectiveness against low-energy gamma rays, where it exhibited superior shielding properties compared to the others.
Findings indicated the linear attenuation coefficients (µ)—a metric representing the material's ability to block radiation—varied significantly between the rocks. For example, tonalite recorded values ranging up to 31.922 cm−1 at lower gamma ray energies, showcasing its capacity as a substantial radiation shield. On the other hand, diorite and granite presented promising attenuation values at higher energy levels, underlining their utility across different radiological contexts.
The comparison of the four rock types also shed light on granodiorite's remarkable capability to shield against fast neutrons, attributed to its unique composition containing lighter elements such as oxygen and carbon. This positions granodiorite as particularly effective for applications requiring neutron attenuation, indicating the material's versatility beyond just gamma-ray shielding.
Among the broader significance of this study lies not just in the performance of diorite, granodiorite, tonalite, and granite as radiation shields, but also their potential environmental benefits. The utilization of these naturally occurring rocks presents a sustainable alternative to conventional materials like lead and tungsten, which typically involve environmentally detrimental extraction processes. By promoting the use of local geological materials, the findings advocate for innovative construction approaches, especially in areas exposed to radiological hazards.
Concluding the investigation, the researchers emphasized the integrity of the gathered data, with experimental results closely aligning with theoretical predictions, and highlighted the need for future studies to explore the scalability of these natural materials at larger construction sites. With their strength, durability, and effective radiation shielding covering various energy ranges, diorite, granodiorite, tonalite, and granite open new avenues for enhancing safety protocols within radiation-prone industries.