INVESTIGATION OF X-RAY ATTENUATION BY THE COMBINATION OF MINERAL QUARTZ (SILICON DIOXIDE), TIN AND POLYETHYLENE FOR RADIATION SHIELDING.

Radiation shielding is essential for protecting humans, equipment, and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays. Lead has traditionally been the standard material for shielding because of its high density and strong attenuation capacity. However, its toxicity, environmental risks, and import costs have created a strong need for safer and more sustainable alternatives, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. This study explores the use of locally available materials tin (Sn), cassiterite (SnO₂), and quartz (SiO₂) combined with recycled polyethylene as binders, to develop composite shielding blocks capable of attenuating gamma radiation. Composite samples with varying proportions of tin, cassiterite, and quartz were fabricated and experimentally tested against radiation from a Cobalt-60 source. Dose rates before and after transmission through the samples were measured, and linear attenuation coefficients (μ) were calculated to assess shielding performance. The results showed that attenuation efficiency increased with material thickness across all compositions. Samples with higher tin content exhibited superior performance, with the best attenuation coefficient recorded at μ = 1.5979 cm⁻¹. The polyethylene binder improved the structural integrity of the composites without significantly compromising shielding ability. These findings demonstrate that tin-based composites, particularly when optimized with cassiterite and quartz, can provide effective radiation protection comparable to conventional materials like lead. Beyond technical performance, the study highlights several advantages: the composites are lighter, non-toxic, environmentally safer, and can be produced from locally sourced raw materials, reducing Nigeria’s dependence on expensive imports. This not only strengthens radiation safety in medical and industrial settings but also offers economic benefits by revitalizing Nigeria’s declining tin mining industry. The study concludes that tin-based composites represent a viable, eco-friendly alternative for radiation shielding. It recommends further optimization of material ratios, extended thickness testing, benchmarking against standard shielding, and large-scale pilot trials in hospitals and research facilities. Incorporating nanotechnology into future designs could also enhance attenuation efficiency and expand potential applications in medicine, industry, and even aerospace.