Preparation and characterization of iron-ore-imbedded silicone rubber materials for radiation protection

Iron-ore-imbedded silicone rubber materials were produced for radiation shielding. Samples were tested against a Co-60 gamma source, which is widely used in nuclear technology and medicine. Decreasing the particle size of iron ore resulted in better gamma radiation protection owing to more homogenous distribution. In addition, the materials had flexible properties up to the addition of 60 wt% iron ore content. Further, 0.5 mmPbE gamma protection was provided by using 2.06-mm-thick SDT-60 as the Co-60 source. Iron ore–silicone rubber composites are candidate materials for lead-free flexible radiation protection systems owing to their relatively inexpensive and easy production.