Development of textile-based gamma-radiation shields using red mud and bismuth oxide

In this study, red mud and bismuth oxide containing coated fabrics were produced and examined to form gamma-radiation shield alternatives to lead competitors. For this purpose, several types of reference and composite-polymer coated samples were designed as mono-layer, multilayer or alternating layer coated samples. According to the results, gamma-radiation shielding of base and coated reference samples were 3.28% at most. Adding red mud and bismuth oxide to the coating formulations, singularly or as combinations, increased gamma-radiation absorption properties up to 38.8% for single-ply coated fabrics, depending on all the additive types and amounts, radiation sources, and testing distances.