Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part E (2025)

This literature review synthesizes recent studies on gamma radiation shielding materials, focusing on innovative alternatives to traditional lead-based shields, which pose environmental and toxicity challenges. Key investigations include polymer-based composites reinforced with high-Z fillers like bismuth oxide, tungsten, and barium sulfate, demonstrating attenuation efficiencies up to 98% at low energies (e.g., 140 keV) while offering flexibility and reduced weight. Alloys such as Pb-Sb, CuZnAl, and Al-based variants exhibit superior mass attenuation coefficients and radiation protection efficiencies, often rivaling or surpassing lead in multi-particle shielding. Ceramic, glass, and concrete enhancements with nano-additives like PbO and Bi2O3 improve linear attenuation coefficients and halve half-value layers, enhancing structural integrity for nuclear applications. Natural materials like granites, clays, and rubber composites provide sustainable, cost-effective options with optimized densities and buildup factors. Experimental validations using NaI(Tl) detectors, Monte Carlo simulations (e.g., MCNP), and theoretical tools (e.g., XCOM) consistently affirm these materials' efficacy across 0.01-15 MeV energies. The review highlights trade-offs in mechanical properties, toxicity reduction, and environmental sustainability, positioning these innovations as viable for medical, industrial, and waste management sectors. Future directions emphasize multifunctional, eco-friendly hybrids to address high-energy limitations and scalability. Overall, this compilation underscores a shift toward lead-free, high-performance shields, advancing radiation safety paradigms.