Protective evaluation of Polyethylene-Bismuth Oxide composite for use in dental radiography centers

In this study, calculations related to the mass attenuation coefficient (µ/ρ) of Polyethylene/Bismuth Oxide composite (HDPE-Bi2O3) for different weight percentages of Bi2O3 in the polymer matrix, namely 0 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt% and 8 wt% for photons with 59 keV energy that can be used in dental radiography centers were simulated using the MCNP code and results were compared with XCOM data. The simulation results of the mass attenuation coefficient of the composite in different weight fractions via the methods of MCNP and XCOM at 59 keV showed a good agreement with each other. The results of this study showed that the Polyethylene/Bismuth Oxide composite material in optimal weight fraction and thickness can be used as a radiation shield in dental radiography centers.