Gamma-ray absorption using rubber-lead mixtures as radiation protection shields.

In the present study five samples of special rubber-lead were fabricated each of them consists of lead and rubber with different weight ratios. The fabrication was carried out through the process of mixing under compression pressure. Gamma-ray transmission method was employed to determine the linear attenuation coefficient for narrow collimated mono-energetic beams of gamma-rays emitted from Am 0.059, Eu 0.13 and Cs 0.662 MeV. The linear attenuation coefficient of standard rubber-lead shield was also experimentally determined. The percentage of lead in standard rubber-lead shield was determined through the calibration curve or by a simple computer program written in MATLAB. All prepared samples are characterized as flexible and gives a good homogeneity. samples no. 4 & 5 offers the best performance as a radiation protection shields. The results showed an inverse proportionality between the linear attenuation coefficient μ, and μ has a direct proportionality with mixing ratios (sample density). The results showed an inverse proportional between the half value layers and the average linear attenuation coefficients of the various samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]