PHYSICS OF ATOMIC NUCLEI AND ELEMENTARY PARTICLES, HIGH ENERGY PHYSICS

Computational and experimental study of radiation-protective properties of natural minerals in Vietnam

D. O. Pylcova, Y. V. Kuvshinova, P. A. Revyakina, I. A. Bessonov, O. L. Tashlykov, V. T. Ta, M. Karem Abdelazim Gaber

Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin

Abstract: The financial burden associated with radiation protection in modern NPPs accounts for approximately one-quarter of total project capital expenditures ($20$–$30\%$). In this context, the scientifically grounded selection of composite materials that can ensure required safety levels while reducing budget expenditures becomes critically important.
A promising cost-saving approach involves incorporating locally sourced minerals from nearby deposits into the construction process. Such regionalization of raw material supplies not only reduces transportation costs but also creates prerequisites for establishing sustainable production and technological chains in the nuclear industry.
Modern radiation shielding technologies actively employ composite shielding materials (RSMs) consisting of a matrix base and functional fillers. The flexibility of this approach allows for customization of the composite composition to match the specific isotopic profile of ionizing radiation characteristic of the protected facility.
Particular interest lies in incorporating natural minerals and industrial by-products into RSMs, which simultaneously addresses two objectives: enhancing protection effectiveness and enabling environmentally safe recycling of secondary resources. This study analyzes rock samples from deposits in Northern Vietnam for their potential application in protective structures of nuclear energy facilities.
The research methodology included:

• Computer modeling of shielding characteristics using the XCOM database.
• Experimental density determination via Archimedes' method (MH-300A densitometer).
• X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis conducted at the Nuclear Materials Authority laboratory in Cairo.

The obtained data allows for evaluation of hybrid material prospects based on the studied minerals and industrial waste for nuclear energy applications.
The assessment of shielding characteristics was performed using an automated "Robotron" gamma spectrometer with a $^{137}\mathrm{Cs}$ isotopic source ($662$ keV energy). Eight different natural samples were tested during the experimental program.
Results demonstrate that the green granite sample (designated GG 8.2) exhibits pronounced shielding properties, making it a promising component for heavy shielding concretes. This finding opens possibilities for its practical application in constructing radiation shielding structures at Vietnamese nuclear infrastructure facilities, including power reactors and research installations.

Keywords: rotection from gamma radiation, radiation-protective materials, optimization of radiation protection, linear attenuation coefficient, minerals.

Received: 07.07.2025
Revised: 24.10.2025
Accepted: 08.07.2025

DOI: 10.60797/IRJ.2025.160s.5