Simulation on Radiation Attenuation Properties of Some Polymers for Gamma-ray Shielding Using Monte Carlo Program

The main focus of this study is to replicate the attenuation characteristics of some polymers through the utilization of a Monte Carlo program known as the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code system (PHITS). The manipulation of radiation attenuation properties within the energy range of 0.01-1.5 MeV in gamma-ray is made possible through the use of a NaI (Tl) scintillation detector in this simulation. To validate the simulation outcomes, an experimental study was undertaken, utilizing four different polymer varieties namely polyethylene terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polystyrene (PS), and Polycarbonate (PC). In addition, the XCOM database was employed to compare the simulation results with the calculated data. The theoretical recommendation is in good agreement with both XCOM and simulation results, along with the experimental findings. As a result, the Monte Carlo simulation using PHITS can be utilized in the design of radiation shielding systems for various applications, including facility design, medical physics, radiation protection and radiation laboratory.