A Comprehensive Study of Gamma RayInteraction Parameters in Danas Minerals

To check the feasibility of the use of Dana’s minerals such as Analcime (M1), Chabazite (M2), Heulandites (M3), Pyrophyllite (M4), Scapolite (M5), Stilbite (M6) and Serpentine (M7) as gamma ray shielding materials, some parameters of dosimetric interest has been investigated at incident photon energies from 15 keV to 15 MeV and penetration depth upto 40 mfp.The photon interaction with minerals has been discussed mainly in terms of Mass attenuation coefficient (μm), Equivalent atomic number(Zeq.) and exposure buildup factors (EBF). The results have been shown graphically with more useful conclusions. From the present investigations, it has been concluded that among the selected minerals, M2 and M5are the best gamma ray shielding material, due to its higher values of mass attenuation coefficient and least values for exposure buildup factor in the selected energy range.