Optimizing Gamma Radiation Shielding with Cobalt-titania Hybrid Nanomaterials

Cobalt-doped titania nanocomposites were fabricated to be utilized for radiation shielding aims. The chemical composition of the composites was measured using the energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Moreover, the structure of the composites was evaluated using the X-ray diffractometer, and the morphology of the fabricated composites was presented using the scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, the γ-ray shielding properties were estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation between 0.059 and 2.506 MeV. The linear attenuation coefficient of the fabricated composites decreased by factors of 93% for all samples by raising the incident γ-energy between 0.059 and 2.506 MeV. Moreover, the partial replacement of the Ti by Co slightly enhanced the linear attenuation coefficient from 0.607 to 0.630 cm when the Co increased from 0 to 3.7 wt%. The improvement in the linear attenuation coefficient causes an enhancement in other radiation shielding properties.