Determination of photon energy absorption parameters for pellet waste, trommel sieve waste and original tincalconite

► TSW instead of borax more reduces the capture gamma rays. ► TSW shows their maximum values for the (μt), the (Zeff) and (NE) in the lower energy region. ► TSW absorbs gamma rays with maximum energy. ► TSW are more suitable as gamma ray shielding material for lower energy region. ► Cement with trommel sieve waste (TSW) including both B2O3 and Na2O may be better absorbents for photon radiation shielding. In this study, the behavior of some photon absorption parameters such as the total mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic number and electronic density have been investigated for original tincalconite, trommel sieve waste (TSW) and pellet waste (PW). In order to have an adequate understanding of such behavior, we have calculated numerous values pertained to energy related parameters from low energy (1keV) to high energy (100MeV) by using WinXCom programme. Radiation shielding of the samples has been compared in terms of Na2B4O710H2O and B2O3 content. The concentrations of Na2B4O710H2O and B2O3 in any materials have been investigated for applications such as environment, construction, radiation shielding and neutron capture. Also, Na2B4O710H2O or any other content may not be a sufficient parameter alone for these applications. Apart from analyses conducted quantitatively, qualitative analyses must be taken into consideration in order to determine the effects of B2O3 or others namely trace compounds.