Classification Of Radiation-Shielding Materials

Based on their function and application, radiation-shielding materials can be categorized into two main types: materials designed to block penetrating radiation and materials used for surface radiation protection.

Materials for blocking penetrating radiation: These include radiation-shielding concrete; heavy metals such as lead, iron, and steel; ordinary concrete; clay brick masonry; compacted soil; graphite; radiation-shielding glass; and radiation-shielding rubber and plastics.

Surface radiation protection materials: These include organic sheets, coatings, metallic materials, and inorganic non-metallic materials. Naturally, radiation-shielding materials can also be classified according to their chemical composition-for instance, into metallic materials, inorganic non-metallic materials, polymer materials, and organic-inorganic composite materials.