Abstract: The requirement to switch out conventional shields made of hazardous or energy-intensive materials with ones made of biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials. Jute and palm fiber are cheap, readily available, and renewable resources, especially in developing countries. Natural fiber composites are ideal for applications where weight is a critical factor since they are typically thinner than traditional materials (such as portable shielding or aerospace). In this paper, the gamma radiation attenuation properties of locally available materials in Bangladesh, including untreated and treated jute fiber, untreated and treated oil palm pressed fiber (OPPFF), and beeswax, are discussed as potential alternatives to lead for radiation shielding. Using Geant4, a Monte Carlo simulation tool, the study models particle transport through matter. Gamma radioisotopes with photon energies ranging from 0.1 to 20 MeV were used to simulate the transport of 1,000,000 particles through the materials. The linear attenuation coefficient (μ), mass attenuation coefficient (μm), and half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), and the mean free path were calculated for each material, and the results were validated against the XCOM values. This study explores the possibilities of readily available, inexpensive, and biodegradable natural materials- beeswax, jute, and palm fiber- as eco-friendly substitutes for gamma radiation shielding. Because of their significant concentration of low-Z elements (carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen), the GEANT4 simulation results verify that jute, palm fiber, and beeswax have measurable gamma radiation attenuation capabilities, mostly through Compton scattering. In nuclear medicine clinics or PET/CT facilities, the sustainable composite materials- jute and palm fibers embedded in a beeswax matrix, perhaps with a tiny amount of non-toxic bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) filler- can be used to create movable secondary radiation shielding barriers.

Keywords: Jute fiber, Oil palm fiber, Bees-wax, Linear attenuation coefficient, Mass attenuation coefficient, GEANT4, Radiation

Pages: 27-45