Effect of ZrO₂ Reinforcement on Photon Transmittance in Functionally Graded Composite Materials

Lead is frequently used as a radiation shielding material; however, it is a toxic material and prolonged exposure can cause serious health problems, including neurological and psychiatric disorders. Alternative radiation shielding materials to lead are currently being widely researched. In this study, the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), and mean free path (MFP) parameters of the Al 2024 matrix ZrO2 ceramic-reinforced functionally graded composite material (FGCM) were investigated using the Phy-x/PSD program. It was observed that photons were better absorbed in higher-density ZrO2 layers.