Advancing neutron and photon shielding for space technology and electronic protection: Investigation of Nylon-Based and non-nylon-based polymers as soft protection materials through PHITS code

IF 2.8 3区物理与天体物理 Q3 CHEMISTRY, PHYSICAL

Radiation Physics and Chemistry Pub Date : 2025-06-03 DOI:10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.113025

Hessa Alkarrani , Ghada Almisned , Hesham M.H. Zakaly , Gokhan Kilic , Shams A.M. Issa , Duygu Sen Baykal , Antoaneta Ene , H.O. Tekin

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This study investigates the neutron and photon attenuation properties of various Nylon-Based and Non-Nylon-Based Polymers as soft protection materials for space technology and related applications. We analyzed the material densities, mass and linear attenuation coefficients, half-value layers, mean free paths, effective atomic numbers, effective electron densities, fast neutron effective removal cross-sections, and energy absorption buildup factor values of several polymers through PHITS code and other computational tools. Nylon Type 11 (Rilsan) emerged as a standout, offering substantial resistance to neutron radiation, highlighting its potential in sectors where neutron shielding is paramount. Conversely, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), characterized by its unique composition, demonstrated superior gamma-ray attenuation capabilities, making it an attractive option for environments predominantly exposed to gamma radiation. Our results showed that the efficacy of PVC in gamma shielding and Nylon Type 11's (Rilsan) notable neutron attenuation, demonstrating their potential as lightweight and environmentally sustainable alternatives for specific applications where lead's heavy weight poses a challenge. While lead remains superior in gamma shielding due to its high atomic number and density, the tested polymers offer practical advantages in applications requiring weight reduction and environmental considerations.

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推进空间技术和电子防护中的中子和光子屏蔽：通过PHITS代码研究尼龙基和非尼龙基聚合物作为软防护材料

本文研究了各种尼龙基和非尼龙基聚合物作为空间技术及其相关应用的软防护材料的中子和光子衰减特性。我们通过PHITS代码和其他计算工具分析了几种聚合物的材料密度、质量和线性衰减系数、半值层、平均自由程、有效原子序数、有效电子密度、快中子有效去除截面和能量吸收积累因子值。尼龙11型（Rilsan）脱颖而出，提供实质性的抗中子辐射，突出其在中子屏蔽至关重要的领域的潜力。相反，聚氯乙烯（PVC）以其独特的成分为特点，表现出优越的伽马射线衰减能力，使其成为主要暴露于伽马辐射环境的有吸引力的选择。我们的研究结果表明，PVC在伽马屏蔽和尼龙11型（Rilsan）显著的中子衰减方面的功效，证明了它们作为轻质和环境可持续替代品的潜力，适用于铅的沉重重量构成挑战的特定应用。虽然铅由于其高原子序数和高密度而在伽马屏蔽方面仍然具有优势，但测试的聚合物在需要减轻重量和考虑环境因素的应用中具有实际优势。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Radiation Physics and Chemistry 化学-核科学技术

CiteScore

5.60

自引率

17.20%

发文量

574

审稿时长

12 weeks

期刊介绍： Radiation Physics and Chemistry is a multidisciplinary journal that provides a medium for publication of substantial and original papers, reviews, and short communications which focus on research and developments involving ionizing radiation in radiation physics, radiation chemistry and radiation processing. The journal aims to publish papers with significance to an international audience, containing substantial novelty and scientific impact. The Editors reserve the rights to reject, with or without external review, papers that do not meet these criteria. This could include papers that are very similar to previous publications, only with changed target substrates, employed materials, analyzed sites and experimental methods, report results without presenting new insights and/or hypothesis testing, or do not focus on the radiation effects.