Gamma radiation shielding performance of Tm2O3 reinforced 3D printing photopolymer resin
Abstract
The increasing use of ionizing radiation in fields such as medicine and industry has enlarged the need for non-toxic and lightweight solutions as alternatives to traditional lead-based shielding materials. This study investigates the radiation shielding performance of high atomic number Thulium oxide (Tm2O3) reinforced photopolymer resins suitable for 3D printing technology. The analysis is conducted using theoretical modeling and Monte Carlo simulations. Composites with reinforcement ratios of 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50% (wt.%) were evaluated at photon energies of 59, 511, and 1173 keV using the GAMOS simulation platform. The data obtained showed that the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) and mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) increased as the Tm2O3 concentration increased. At the same time, a substantial decrease was observed in the half-value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP), which are critical for engineering application. In addition, MAC results obtained from the GAMOS simulation and the XCOM NIST database were compared. The highest shielding efficiency was observed in the sample containing 50% Tm2O3, mainly in the low-energy region where photoelectric interaction is dominant. Therefore, it has been proven that Tm2O3-reinforced photopolymer resins offer a customized and effective shielding solution, particularly against low and medium-energy gamma radiation, which can be produced via 3D printers.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Nuclear Physics
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Penbe Nur Ülgen
0009-0000-3354-7094
Türkiye
Selami Eken
0000-0001-9320-0391
Türkiye
Kaan Manisa
0000-0002-4063-277X
Türkiye
Publication Date
April 30, 2026
Submission Date
March 12, 2026
Acceptance Date
April 21, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Number: 015