Characterization and measurement of gamma radiation shielding of a new tungsten-lignin composite

This research has been carried on to analyze the capability of a new composite to be effectively used as shielding of gamma radiation. The preparation of a metal-organic composite formed by tungsten and Kraft lignin is presented. Samples have been characterized through X-rays and scanning electron microscopy measurements. The results led to the study of the different phase formations. The microscopic analyzes indicate that two different phases are present in the composite. The absence of oxidation in the process even after the temperature treatment imposed to form the sample has also been noticed. Measurements of the attenuation have been performed to study its ability to absorb gamma radiation. A sample of cobalt 60 (Co-60), for which the peak energies are at 1173 keV and 1332 keV, was used as a source of gamma radiation in the experiment of attenuation. The measured attenuation of gamma radiations when the composite is placed to act as a shield is only 16% smaller than the attenuation obtained for standard pure tungsten. This is a clear indication that the new metal-organic composite is suitable for the fabrication of devices dedicated to shielding radiation, with the advantage of being easier to manipulate.