Comparison of Photon Interaction Parameters of Natural and Activated Malatya-Karababa Clay Minerals

Abstract

Clays are the oldest raw materials used since the beginning of human history. Pure clay is called kaolin and the color of the clay is white. The color of clay may change due to the influence of impurities in its structure. There are many types of clay and the colors of these clays can be pink, grey, red, green, black, blue or yellowish. Due to their specific processes, clays have a wide range of uses, including the production of ceramics and construction materials (such as sanitary ware and tiles), perfume production, and health care materials production. Kaolin is a type of clay obtained from granite rocks and preferred in making porcelain and ceramics. When a substance is exposed to ionizing radiation, it is important to determine some coefficients that characterize the interaction of radiation with this substance. In this study, μ_ρ Z_eff, N_el values of natural and activated Karababa clay were calculated and compared using the WinXCom computer program. Photon interaction parameters for natural and activated clay were examined and similar values were found. While μ_ρ, Z_eff and N_el had the highest values in the low energy region, the lowest values were obtained in the medium energy region. The results from this research can be used as a resource for shielding researchers as well as helping to develop new materials in radiation shielding.