Comparison of the Radiation Absorption Properties of PbO doped ZrB2 Glasses by using GATE-GEANT4 Monte Carlo Code and XCOM Program

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the gamma ray radiation absorption properties of ZrB2 (zirconium diboride), which is used in the nuclear industry, space industry, military industry and especially in the ceramic industry and determine the effect of PbO additive in the shielding. Also, the Geant4 Application Tomographic Emission monte carlo code will be tested for its usability in place of XCOM computer program with an appropriate geometry. Within this scope, the shielding properties of ZrB2, Pb0 and 50%ZrB2.50%Pb0 glasses at 511, 662, 1173, 1274 and 1332 keV gamma energies were calculated by the Geant4 Application Tomographic Emission monte carlo code and compared with the XCOM computer programme. The linear attenuation coefficient and half value layer were calculated by using the mass attenuation coefficient values obtained with the codes. In line with these results, it is possible to say that 50%PbO additive increases the shielding quality of ZrB2 glasses. On the other hand, the simulated Geant4 Application Tomographic Emission monte carlo code values were found to be compatible with XCOM.