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

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 determinesthe effect of PbO additive
in the shielding. Also, the Geant4 Application Tomographic Emission (GATE-GEANT4)
Monte Carlo computer code tested for its usability in place of the 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 GATE-GEANT4 Monte Carlo code and compared with
the XCOM computer program. 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 GATE-GEANT4 Monte Carlo
code values were found to be compatible with XCOM..