Towards better understanding of structural, physical and radiation attenuation properties of the granites in Aegean region of Turkey: İzmir and Kütahya Provinces

Abstract

Abstract In this study, physical, chemical, structural and radiation attenuation properties of some granite samples collected from Kütahya-Simav and İzmir (Bergama and Karaburun) were investigated. The true particle density of the studied granite samples was in the range of 2.65 g cm−3 to 2.72 g cm−3 and the median particle diameter was between ∼12 μm and 41 μm. According to the structural examination results obtained from the study, the chemical compositions of the extracted granite samples varied by area. While SiO2 was the dominating component in certain locations, it was replaced by Fe2O3 in another. This condition also had a direct effect on the densities of the granite samples extracted. At the conclusion of the study, it was found that the predominant factor affecting the radiation shielding characteristics of granites was the quantity of Fe2O3 in the composition, with the greatest gamma-ray shielding qualities supplied by samples 4 and 5, which had the highest Fe2O3 ratio. Our results indicate that sample 5 and the previously studied Capao Bonita sample had comparable half value layer values at low, medium, and high gamma ray levels. It may be concluded that Izmir granites are a more attractive option to granite for usage as radiation shielding building materials, owing to their high Fe2O3 concentration, and may be a feasible alternative to less desirable concrete materials for shielding applications.