Lead—Natural rubber composites as gamma radiation shields. II: High concentration

Abstract Natural rubber composites were prepared by the incorporation of different lead concentration, namely: 100, 300, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 phr to be used as gamma radiation shields. A non‐linear dependence of the attenuation coefficient upon the lead concentration was observed for both 60 Co and 137 Cs as gamma radiation sources. Sample containing the ultimate lead concentration (2000 phr) and thickness 1 mm was found to have 0.336 mm and 0.383 mm lead equivalent for 60 Co and 137 Cs respectively. Electrical and mechanical properties of the investigated composites were also measured.