Radiation shielding efficiency of rice husk ash-based low-density glasses: a comparative study

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nuclear Physics
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Agricultural waste, specifically rice husk, presents disposal challenges.
• Rice husk ash (WRHA) can be converted into value-added materials like glass.
• Low-density glasses are potential candidates for radiation shielding applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the radiation shielding efficacy of low-density glasses synthesized from White Rice Husk Ash (WRHA).
• To determine photon and charged particle interaction parameters for WRHA-based glasses.
• To compare the shielding performance of WRHA glasses with conventional low-density glasses.

Main Methods:

• Photon attenuation parameters (LAC, Zeff, HVL) were calculated using FLUKA Monte Carlo / EpiXS.
• Charged particle interaction parameters (ranges) were determined using SRIM / PAGEX / ESTAR databases.
• WRHA glasses were analyzed for their shielding capabilities against X-rays, electrons, protons, alpha particles, and carbon ions.

Main Results:

• WRHA glasses showed effective photon attenuation with LAC ranging from 0.77-8.47 cm⁻¹ and HVL from 0.082-0.904 cm over 40-120 keV.
• Effective atomic number (Zeff) for photons was between 17.12-25.75.
• Calculated ranges for electrons, protons, alpha particles, and carbon ions indicated significant shielding potential across various energies.

Conclusions:

• WRHA-based glasses exhibit superior radiation shielding competency compared to low-density glasses synthesized from artificial resources.
• The utilization of agricultural waste like WRHA for producing effective radiation shielding materials is environmentally beneficial.
• These findings highlight the potential of sustainable materials in advanced applications like radiation protection.