Analysis of radiation attenuation properties for Polyester/Li2WO4 composites

UPR/Titanium dioxide nanocomposite: Preparation, characterization and application in photon/neutron shielding

The aim of present investigation is to fabricate TiO₂ reinforced novel composites as an alternate nuclear radiation shields. Unsaturated polyester resin has been reinforced by the incorporation of different weight proportions of titanium dioxide (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt%) nanoparticles. Accordingly, mass and linear attenuation coefficients (μ_m & μ), half and tenth value layers (HVL & TVL), relaxation length (λ) and effective atomic numbers (Z_eff) have been computed. Gamma ray transmission set up has been employed for the determination of experimental μ_m values and consistency of experimental outcomes has been compared with the induced results from WinXCom program and Geant4 simulation code. Moreover, discrepancy of fast neutron removal cross section with the increasing TiO₂ content in the prepared composites has been studied. Additionally, structural properties in terms of XRD, SEM, RAMAN, FTIR and mechanical properties in terms of compressive strength have been analysed. The findings of this study revealed that the addition of TiO₂ nanoparticles improved the mechanical, nuclear shielding and structural properties of composites. The best gamma ray shielding competency has been showed by the highest TiO₂ addition (20%) composite. All in all, UPR + TiO2 composites have been identified as promising alternative radiation shielding candidates owning to their cost effectiveness, ease of processing, good dispersion and lightweightness.

A detailed investigation of gamma and neutron shielding capabilities of ternary composites doped with polyacrylonitrile and gadolinium (III) sulfate

The shielding efficiencies of gamma and neutron radiations for ternary composites containing polyester resin, polyacrylonitrile and gadolinium (III) sulfate at different ratios were investigated in the present study. In order to investigate the gamma radiation shielding capacity of the produced ternary composites, linear and mass attenuation coefficients, half value layer, effective atomic number and radiation protection efficiency parameters were determined experimentally, theoretically and using the GEANT4 simulation code. The gamma shielding capabilities of the composites were studied in the photon energy range of 59.5-1332.5 keV. In order to investigate the neutron shielding abilities of composites, inelastic, elastic, capture and transport numbers, total macroscopic cross section and mean free path parameters were determined with the help of GEANT4 simulation code. In addition, the number of transmitted neutrons at different sample thicknesses and neutron energies were also determined. It was observed that gamma radiation shielding properties were improved due to the increasing amount of gadolinium (III) sulfate and neutron shielding properties were improved due to the increasing amount of polyacrylonitrile. While the composite coded P0Gd50 exhibits a better gamma radiation shielding ability than the others, the neutron shielding of the sample coded P50Gd0 is also more favorable than the others.

Views on Radiation Shielding Efficiency of Polymeric Composites/Nanocomposites and Multi-Layered Materials: Current State and Advancements

This article highlights advancements in polymeric composite/nanocomposites processes and applications for improved radiation shielding and high-rate attenuation for the spacecraft. Energetic particles, mostly electrons and protons, can annihilate or cause space craft hardware failures. The standard practice in space electronics is the utilization of aluminum as radiation safeguard and structural enclosure. In space, the materials must be lightweight and capable of withstanding extreme temperature/mechanical loads under harsh environments, so the research has focused on advanced multi-functional materials. In this regard, low-Z materials have been found effective in shielding particle radiation, but their structural properties were not sufficient for the desired space applications. As a solution, polymeric composites or nanocomposites have been produced having enhanced material properties and enough radiation shielding (gamma, cosmic, X-rays, protons, neutrons, etc.) properties along with reduced weight. Advantageously, the polymeric composites or nanocomposites can be layered to form multi-layered shields. Hence, polymer composites/nanocomposites offer promising alternatives to developing materials for efficiently attenuating photon or particle radiation. The latest technology developments for micro/nano reinforced polymer composites/nanocomposites have also been surveyed here for the radiation shielding of space crafts and aerospace structures. Moreover, the motive behind this state-of-the-art overview is to put forward recommendations for high performance design/applications of reinforced nanocomposites towards future radiation shielding technology in the spacecraft.

Composites cement/BaSO4/Fe3O4/CuO for improving X-ray absorption characteristics and structural properties

Composite cement/BaSO₄/Fe₃O₄/CuO with a thickness of 0.6 cm for various amounts of CuO: 2 wt%, 4 wt%, 6 wt%, and 8 wt% were successfully synthesized for the X-ray radiation shield. The bonding characteristics of composite and structural properties were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectra for the wavelength range of 4000–400 cm⁻¹ and X-ray diffraction with the range of 2θ from 25° to 50°, respectively. The shielding ability was measured using a mobile X-ray with an energy of 55, 66, and 77 keV for determining the mass and linear attenuation coefficient, electronic and atomic cross-section. These shield characteristics best agreement with theoretical calculation from the XCOM database for energy < 77 keV with half value layer (HVL) < 0.3 cm. The best shielding in this study indicated by the lowest HVL and MFP is composite for CuO 8 wt%. The HVL and MFP shows better values compared to the previous reported using composite rubber-based, indicated high potentials composite in this study for design new and efficient radiology rooms as an alternative concrete, especially for X-ray radiation, in the future.

Lead-free Sb-based polymer composite for γ-ray shielding purposes

This study ailm was to fabricate and investigate the gamma photon shielding efficiency of antimony (Sb) doped polymer resin composites. The orthophthalic unsaturated polyester resin (C16O7H14) and antimony powder have been used as matrix and filler material, respectively. Gamma radiation shielding capacities of the polymer resin composites doped with 325 mesh sized-antimony particles from 5 to 20 wt% have been investigated. Experimental measurements of the samples have been obtained using an HPGe detector equipped with gamma spectrometer by 241 Am, 133 Ba, 57 Co, 22 Na, 137 Cs, 152 Eu, 54 Mn and 60 Co radioactive point sources varying from 59.5 to 1408.0 keV energies. To explore the gamma-ray attenuation features, linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), the radiation protection efficiency (RPE) were evaluated. According to the obtained results, it was found that Sb(20%) showed the superior radiation shielding capacity than the other samples. The measured data have been compared with those of WinXCOM, and they were found to be in a good agreement with each other.

Polymeric composite materials for radiation shielding: a review

The rising use of radioactive elements is increasing radioactive pollution and calling for advanced materials to protect individuals. For instance, polymers are promising due to their mechanical, electrical, thermal, and multifunctional properties. Moreover, composites made of polymers and high atomic number fillers should allow to obtain material with low-weight, good flexibility, and good processability. Here we review the synthesis of polymer materials for radiation protection, with focus on the role of the nanofillers. We discuss the effectivness of polymeric materials for the absorption of fast neutrons. We also present the recycling of polymers into composites.