Radiation Attenuation Assessment of Serpentinite Rocks from a Geological Perspective

Mostafa A. Masoud*, Ahmed M. El-Khayatt*, Mohamed G. Shahien, Bottros R. Bakhit, Ibrahim I. Suliman, Ahmed M. Zayed

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Serpentinites are metamorphic rocks that are widely applied as aggregates in the production of radiation-shielding concrete. Different varieties of massive serpentinite mountains located in Egypt exist without real investment. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the radiation shielding efficacy of three varieties of serpentinite rocks from different geological perspectives: mineralogical, geochemical, and morphological characteristics. X-ray diffraction, transmitted-light microscopy, and thermal analysis were required to characterize their mineralogical composition, while X-ray fluorescence was necessary to investigate their geochemical features. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy was used to detect their morphological characteristics. On the other hand, the PuBe source and stilbene detector were employed for the experimental determination of fast neutrons and γ-ray attenuations, which were conducted at energy ranges of 0.8–11 and 0.4–8.3 MeV, respectively. Based on the mineralogical, geochemical, and morphological characteristics of these rocks, the radiation attenuation capacity of lizardite > antigorite > chrysotile. However, these serpentinites can be applied as a natural alternative to some radiation-shielding concrete in radiotherapy centers and other counterpart facilities.

Original languageEnglish
Article number697
JournalToxics
Volume10
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • fast neutron
  • geochemical and mineralogical composition
  • morphology
  • serpentinite rock
  • shielding
  • γ-ray

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
  • Chemical Health and Safety

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