A benchmarking analysis on different rubber materials: towards customisation of lightweight and effective radiation protection solutions for aerospace and electronic applications

This study examines the efficacy of rubber, a non-toxic hydrocarbon polymer, as a shielding material against gamma rays and neutrons. We analyse four types of rubbers: Neoprene, Butyl, Natural, and Silicone, using computational methods and Monte Carlo simulations via MCNP (version 6.3) to evaluate their gamma ray and neutron shielding parameters. Notably, Neoprene, enhanced with chlorine, shows superior gamma ray attenuation capabilities with a mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of 760.446 cm²/g at 0.015 MeV, indicating its potential as an effective material for gamma ray shielding applications. Conversely, Butyl rubber, with its high hydrogen content, exhibits exceptional neutron attenuation properties, with the highest Σ_R value of 11.861 1/cm, making it a preferred choice for neutron shielding. This investigation underscores the versatility and environmental benefits of rubber materials in radiation protection, highlighting their potential as lightweight, customisable and sustainable alternatives to conventional shielding substances like lead. Our findings reveal prominent advantages of Neoprene for gamma ray shielding and Butyl rubber for neutron protection, contributing to the development of safer, more effective radiation protection solutions.