Comparative Analysis of Neutron, Proton, Alpha and Beta Radiation Shielding Parameters of PES and PVDC

Abstract In medical applications, where polymers and plastics are used as tissue equivalent and phantom materials, the determination of accurate values of radiation shielding parameters becomes very important. In this context, the present work is aimed at determining the values of radiation shielding parameters of two polymers, viz. polyethersulphone (PES) and polyvinylidenechloride (PVDC) and then doing a comparative analysis of their shielding abilities in order to find a better material for shielding. The neutron shielding parameter was determined and was also compared with some common neutron shielding materials such as Boric Acid, Boron Carbide and Graphite. Furthermore, the shielding against charged particles i.e. neutron, proton and alpha particle was also studied with the help of the parameters, ‘mass stopping power’ and ‘projected range’. It was speculated that PES is superior to PVDC for shielding against neutrons, protons, alpha and beta radiation due to higher content of low atomic number elements per monomer unit. So, PES can be used potentially for radiation shielding in medical field.