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Mokhtari Dorostkar M, Kangarlou H, Abdi Saray A. Investigating polyurethane foam loaded with high-z nanoparticles for gamma radiation shielding compared to Monte Carlo simulations. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16271. [PMID: 39009719 PMCID: PMC11251141 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67031-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of research into radiation and protection against it, the importance of searching for proper materials against radiation hazards has been recognized. Gamma radiation protection materials usually deal with heavy elements with high prices, which are hard to maintain. Polyurethane-based (PU) materials are popular in sound and thermal insulation due to, their low-weight properties and, most importantly, fast and convenient construction ingredients. PU foams (PUF) can be used as radiation shield and noise and heat resistance due to their approachability, light-weight, high resistance, and comfortable construction. This study involved simulation and an experiment to construct and investigate the properties of Polyurethane material doped with lead oxide as a gamma shield. The shield was considered in several weight fractions of lead, yielding several samples. The MCNPX 2.6 Monte Carlo code has been utilized for simulation procedure, and 137Cs was employed as the gamma source in both simulation and experiment. The results offer a promising response against the gamma radiation and are suitable for attenuating gamma rays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haleh Kangarlou
- Department of Physics, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran
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2
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Toto E, Lambertini L, Laurenzi S, Santonicola MG. Recent Advances and Challenges in Polymer-Based Materials for Space Radiation Shielding. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:382. [PMID: 38337271 DOI: 10.3390/polym16030382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Space exploration requires the use of suitable materials to protect astronauts and structures from the hazardous effects of radiation, in particular, ionizing radiation, which is ubiquitous in the hostile space environment. In this scenario, polymer-based materials and composites play a crucial role in achieving effective radiation shielding while providing low-weight and tailored mechanical properties to spacecraft components. This work provides an overview of the latest developments and challenges in polymer-based materials designed for radiation-shielding applications in space. Recent advances in terms of both experimental and numerical studies are discussed. Different approaches to enhancing the radiation-shielding performance are reported, such as integrating various types of nanofillers within polymer matrices and optimizing the materials design. Furthermore, this review explores the challenges in developing multifunctional materials that are able to provide radiation protection. By summarizing the state-of-the-art research and identifying emerging trends, this review aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to identify polymer materials and composites that are most useful to protect human health and spacecraft performance in the harsh radiation conditions that are typically found during missions in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Toto
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851-881, 00138 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Lambertini
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851-881, 00138 Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Laurenzi
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851-881, 00138 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Santonicola
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 7, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Vegari A, Abdisaray A, Mostafanejad K, Jabbari N. High-density polyethylene (HDPE)-incorporated boron carbide and boric acid nanoparticles as a nanoshield of photoneutrons from medical linear accelerators. Int J Radiat Biol 2024; 100:609-618. [PMID: 38190436 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2023.2295964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current study aimed to investigate boron carbide and boric acid nanoparticles (NPs) as absorbents for thermal neutrons and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as a substrate and neutron moderator for fast neutrons. The goal was to assess the performance of boron carbide and boric acid NPs based on HDPE as a nanoshield of photoneutrons from medical linear accelerators. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted in two parts of simulation and practice. The Monte Carlo (MC) simulation involved modeling and verification of the single-layer, double-layer, and combined nanoshields by selecting nanomaterials and substrates and, finally, calculating the macroscopic cross-sections. The practical part involved manufacturing nanoshields based on the simulation results and evaluating the manufactured nanocomposites via experimental measurements. RESULTS MC simulation results with an uncertainty of less than 1% showed that for the monolayer samples, the best result belonged to boron carbide at a concentration of 10% and a macroscopic cross-section of 0.933 cm-1. At a concentration of 20%, the highest value among the double-layer samples was 0.936 cm-1 and for the combined samples, this value was 0.928 cm-1. Boron carbide single-layer nanocomposites at a 10% concentration, as well as the bilayer nanoshield of 10% boron carbide and 20% boric acid performed well; however, the best performance belonged to the nanoshield with a macroscopic cross-section of 0.960 and the combination containing 5% boron carbide and 10% boric acid. CONCLUSIONS The research suggests that utilizing boron carbide and boric acid nanoshields in combination with HDPE holds promise as a viable approach to protecting from the photoneutrons. Further exploration of these nanocomposite shields and their practical applications is warranted, with the potential to yield significant advancements in radiation therapy safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Vegari
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Akbar Abdisaray
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Nasrollah Jabbari
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Abdous S, Derradji M, Mekhalif Z, Khiari K, Mehelli O, Cherif YB. Advances in Polymeric Neutron Shielding: The Role of Benzoxazine-h-BN Nanocomposites in Nuclear Protection. Radiat Res 2023; 200:242-255. [PMID: 37493460 DOI: 10.1667/rade-23-00060.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Given their substantial neutron capture cross-section, extreme hardness, and high chemical and thermal stability, boron-based materials are widely used as building blocks to protect against highly ionizing radiations such as gamma rays and neutrons. Indeed, uncontrolled nuclear radiation exposure can be highly hazardous to radiation workers and the public. In this sense, this work presents an extensive study and experimental evaluation of the nuclear shielding features of hexagonal-boron nitride (h-BN) based nanocomposite, where bisphenol-A based polybenzoxazine (BA-PBz) was used as matrix. The neutron shielding studies were carried out at the nuclear research reactor of Algeria NUR. The surface treatment of h-BN nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR and XPS techniques. The curing behavior and the degradation phenomena of the nanocomposites were evaluated by DSC-TGA analyses. The distribution of h-BN nanoparticles within the polymer matrix was assessed by TEM and SEM. The results showed that the developed boron nitride-based nanocomposite exhibits intriguing shielding performances and good thermal stability. The DSC-TGA tests exhibit high degradation temperature that reach 279°C. The highest performances were obtained at an h-BN concentration of 7 wt%, where the macroscopic cross was found to be (Σ = 3.844 cm-1) with a screening ratio of (S = 96.12%), equivalent to a mean free path (λ) of 0.138 cm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slimane Abdous
- UER Procédés Energétiques, Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, BP 17, Bordj El-Bahri, Algiers Algeria
| | - Mehdi Derradji
- UER Procédés Energétiques, Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, BP 17, Bordj El-Bahri, Algiers Algeria
| | - Zineb Mekhalif
- Laboratoire de Chimie et Electrochimie des Surface, Université de Namur, 5000, Namur, Belgique
| | - Karim Khiari
- UER Procédés Energétiques, Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, BP 17, Bordj El-Bahri, Algiers Algeria
| | - Oussama Mehelli
- UER Procédés Energétiques, Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, BP 17, Bordj El-Bahri, Algiers Algeria
| | - Younes Bourenane Cherif
- Laboratoire de Chimie et Electrochimie des Surface, Université de Namur, 5000, Namur, Belgique
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Lefèvre G. Determination of isotopic ratio of boron in boric acid solutions by ATR–FTIR spectroscopy. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-022-08746-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Huang G, Gong J, Xia W, Chen J. Preparation and properties of high temperature resistant neutron shielding poly(4-methyl-1-pentene)/boron carbide composite materials. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-022-08552-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Gursal SA, Mehboob N, Ahmed B, Mehmood MS. On the neutron shielding efficacy of flexible silicone infused with CdO nanoparticles. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2022.110555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Li Z, Han Y, Wang A, Zhao D, Fan L, He L, Zhang S, Cheng P, Liu H, Chai Z, Wang S. Efficient neutron radiation shielding by boron-lithium imidazolate frameworks. Dalton Trans 2022; 51:11625-11629. [PMID: 35904043 DOI: 10.1039/d2dt01825j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Radiation protective materials are widely applied to avoid occupational hazards from either particle emissions or high-energy electromagnetic waves. Herein, we present a boron imidazolate framework (BIF) as a novel neutron shielding additive with high neutron capture cross-section elements B/Li and H. The BIF1-based epoxy resin matrix (Ep-BIF1) possesses high thermal stability and excellent resistance capacity. The neutron radiation shielding property was characterized using an Am-Be source, in which the thermal neutron shielding efficiency of Ep-BIF1 is notably higher than that of Ep-B4C with equal boron concentration, showing potential applications as an advanced efficient neutron radiation shielding composite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Yue Han
- CGN Advanced Materials Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd, Taicang, 215400, P.R. China
| | - Aosong Wang
- China Nuclear Power Engineering Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Dong Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 211106, China
| | - Longfei Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Linwei He
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Shuya Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Peng Cheng
- CGN Advanced Materials Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd, Taicang, 215400, P.R. China
| | - Hanzhou Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Zhifang Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Shuao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China.
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Properties and thermal neutron areal transmittance of a B4C filled thermoplastic elastomer based rubber composite. NUCLEAR MATERIALS AND ENERGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nme.2022.101193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Cheraghi E, Chen S, Yeow JT. Boron Nitride-Based Nanomaterials for Radiation Shielding: A Review. IEEE NANOTECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1109/mnano.2021.3066390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Barala SS, Manda V, Jodha AS, Meghwal LR, C A, Gopalani D. Ethylene‐propylene diene monomer‐based polymer composite for attenuation of high energy radiations. J Appl Polym Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/app.50334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vikram Manda
- Hari Shankar Singhania Elastomer and Tyre Research Institute Mysuru India
| | | | | | - Ajay C
- Hari Shankar Singhania Elastomer and Tyre Research Institute Mysuru India
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Hu C, Huang Q, Zhai Y. Thermal, mechanical investigation and neutron shielding analysis for Gd-MOF/polyimide materials. RSC Adv 2021; 11:40148-40158. [PMID: 35424325 PMCID: PMC8693875 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra07500d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
None of the currently commercialized shielding materials in Generation IV nuclear energy systems are satisfactory in their performance. Developing a candidate neutron shielding material with good heat resistance and high strength is a challenging task. In this work, various gadolinium metal–organic frameworks (Gd-MOFs) with obvious advantages, such as porous structures, organic surfaces and strong neutron-absorbing nuclei, were synthesized to constrain polyimide (PI) chains. A series of Gd-MOF/PI conjugates were subsequently assessed for their thermal stability, mechanical properties and neutron shielding performance. The increase of the Gd-MOF content improved the thermal neutron shielding ability but slightly reduced the fast neutron shielding ability. Compared with those of pure PI, the Gd-MOF/PI films demonstrate a higher glass transition temperature (Tg), which is considered the gold standard of engineering plastics. It was also observed that the tensile strength directly correlates with the Gd-MOF content, which continuously increases until a maximum is reached, and then subsequently decreases. Furthermore, the high-temperature tensile test showed that these tunable Gd-MOF/PI films are intact and robust, indicating their potential application for neutron shielding materials in Generation IV nuclear energy systems. None of the currently commercialized shielding materials in Generation IV nuclear energy systems are satisfactory in their performance.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Hu
- Institute of Nuclear Energy Safety Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Qunying Huang
- Institute of Nuclear Energy Safety Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
| | - Yutao Zhai
- Institute of Nuclear Energy Safety Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
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Cherkashina N, Pavlenko V, Noskov A, Shkaplerov A, Kuritsyn A, Gorodov A. Changes in surface properties of PI/WO2 сoatings after vacuum ultraviolet irradiation. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2020.112970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Belgacemi R, Derradji M, Mouloud A, Trache D, Zegaoui A, Belmehdi D, Bouloussekh Y, Mehelli O, Tarchoun AF. On the mechanical and morphological properties of highly performant composite laminates based on epoxy resin and oxidized ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene fibers. HIGH PERFORM POLYM 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/0954008320923385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this study, new high-performance composite laminates were prepared from epoxy resin and surface modified ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers. The UHMWPE fibers underwent two types of chemical modifications, namely through chromic acid and potassium permanganate oxidations. The adopted chemical procedure aimed the grafting of polar groups on the outer surface of fibers for an improved chemical and physical compatibility with the polymeric matrix. The efficiency of the grafting methodology was confirmed by vibrational, thermal, and morphological analyses, and the grafting mechanism was thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, composite laminates were prepared to study the effects of chemical treatments on the mechanical and morphological properties of the resulting composites. The grafting techniques allowed consequent improvements in the tensile and bending properties, up to 34% and 23% for the tensile and flexural strengths, respectively. The study of the fractured surfaces confirmed the exceptional compatibility between the fillers and the polymeric matrix and further corroborated the mechanical findings. Finally, the adopted modification techniques can be regarded as cost-effective and highly suitable for the manufacturing of structural composites for advanced applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raouf Belgacemi
- UER Procédés Energétiques, Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Mehdi Derradji
- UER Procédés Energétiques, Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Abdelrazak Mouloud
- UER Procédés Energétiques, Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Djalal Trache
- UER Procédés Energétiques, Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Abdeldjalil Zegaoui
- Institute of Composite Materials, Key Laboratory of Superlight Material and Surface Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, China
| | - Djamel Belmehdi
- UER Procédés Energétiques, Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Yasser Bouloussekh
- UER Procédés Energétiques, Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Oussama Mehelli
- UER Procédés Energétiques, Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, Algiers, Algeria
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Akman F, Kaçal M, Almousa N, Sayyed M, Polat H. Gamma-ray attenuation parameters for polymer composites reinforced with BaTiO3 and CaWO4 compounds. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR ENERGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pnucene.2020.103257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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