Multilayered proton radiation shielding using metal alloy, aluminosilicate, and polymer: SRIM simulation and economic analysis

Abstract

Radiation shielding material is one of the crucial aspects in designing a shield against external radiation. In this work, radiation shielding in proton accelerator facilities was explored. The Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) software was utilized in determining proton shielding capabilities of various multilayered radiation shield combinations using lead-zinc alloy, zeolite, bentonite, borated polyethylene, polyether sulfone, and polyether ketone. The economic analysis of radiation materials was also performed in this work. Using SRIM, it was determined that borated polyethylene has the highest monolayer peak proton mass stopping power in which the majority of energy loss is through electronic interaction. While lead-zinc alloy has the shortest individual proton ion range. Using SRIM’s Transport of Ions in Matter calculation, it was determined that all the radiation shield combinations successfully shielded the 250 MeV proton in which lead-zinc alloy has the best proton shielding capability and almost all the energy loss is through ionization with negligible phonon production. Upon economic analysis, lead-zinc alloy is the most expensive material while a combination of zeolite and borated polyethylene can be a good alternative in terms of proton radiation effectivity, cost, thermal stability, and material maintenance and handling. The results of this study may serve as a preliminary basis in designing radiation shields in facilities with proton accelerators.