Evaluation of tantalum–tungsten–oxygen compounds as lead-free radiation shielding materials

This study investigates alternative materials to lead for radiation shielding, addressing the need for safer and more effective options. Traditional materials like lead, although effective due to their high atomic number, are toxic and pose environmental risks. The study explores a set of tantalum–tungsten–oxygen (Ta–W–O) compounds, including TaW 2 O 3 , TaW 2 O 4 , Ta 2 W 2 O 5 , TaWO 3 , and others. These compounds offer promising shielding properties due to their high density, atomic number, and stability. Key shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value layer (HVL), and effective atomic number (Z eff ) were calculated and compared to lead. Among all the studied Ta–W–O compounds, TaW 2 O 3 was identified as the most efficient and thermodynamically stable lead-free shielding material, exhibiting the highest photon attenuation performance across low- and intermediate-energy ranges. Across various energy ranges, these compounds demonstrate superior radiation protection efficiency (RPE) and electron density, essential for shielding in healthcare, nuclear, and aerospace applications. The findings suggest that tantalum–tungsten compounds could serve as viable lead-free shielding materials, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative for radiation protection.