Preparation and characterisation of Isophthalic-Bi2O3 polymer composite gamma radiation shields

• Published in: Radiation physics and chemistry (Oxford, England : 1993) Vol. 130; pp. 351 - 358
• Main Authors: Ambika, M.R., Nagaiah, N., Harish, V., Lokanath, N.K., Sridhar, M.A., Renukappa, N.M., Suman, S.K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Attenuation coefficient; Gamma rays; Microstructural analysis; Particle reinforcement; Thermal analysis; Thermosetting resin; Gamma rays; Thermal analysis; Attenuation coefficient; Thermosetting resin; Particle reinforcement; Microstructural analysis
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2016.09.022
• ISSN: 0969-806X

Bi2O3 filled Isophthalic resin based polymer composites of different weight % (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 & 60) were fabricated by open mould cast technique. Gamma attenuation study was carried out using NaI (Tl) gamma ray spectrometer for Cs-137. The shielding parameters such as attenuation coefficient, HVL & λ were investigated. The distribution of the filler within the matrix was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy. X ray diffractometer and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were employed to study the structural changes if any. The thermal stability and mechanical strength of the composites were investigated using TGA & UTM respectively. Dielectric properties and AC conductivity were also studied using LCR meter. The composites are found to be thermally stable upto 200°C. There were no such structural changes observed and all the composites show very low conductivity. The mechanical strength of the composites was found to increase upon adding the bismuth oxide with a slight decrease when the concentration of the filler exceeds 40wt%. Attenuation results reveal that, the shielding efficiency increases with the increase of the filler wt% and are comparable to those of the conventional shielding materials. Hence, Bi2O3 filled composites can be used for gamma shielding applications. •A novel lead free polymer composite radiation shields were fabricated.•Uniform distribution of filler within the matrix was achieved.•Exhibit very low conductivity, good mechanical strength and thermal stability.•Excellent shielding ability for gamma radiation and are comparable to baryte.•ISO-Bi2O3 composites can be used in the field of radiation protection.