Shielding properties of some marble types: a comprehensive study of experimental and XCOM results

Abstract

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 sodium iodide scintillation detector (NaI). 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.