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UPR/Titanium dioxide nanocomposite: Preparation, characterization and application in photon/neutron shielding
Chaitali V More1, Sunil N Botewad1, Ferdi Akman2
1Department of Physics, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, 431004, Maharashtra, India.
Summary
Novel composites reinforced with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles offer improved mechanical and nuclear radiation shielding properties. The 20% TiO2 composite demonstrated the best gamma ray shielding, presenting a cost-effective, lightweight alternative for radiation shielding applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nuclear Engineering
- Composite Materials
Background:
- Traditional radiation shielding materials often face limitations in terms of weight, cost, and processability.
- Developing advanced composite materials is crucial for enhancing radiation shielding efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and evaluate novel composites of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) reinforced with varying weight percentages of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles.
- To investigate the potential of these composites as effective nuclear radiation shields.
Main Methods:
- Composites were prepared with 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles in a UPR matrix.
- Gamma ray attenuation coefficients (mass and linear), half and tenth value layers, relaxation length, and effective atomic numbers were computed.
- Experimental measurements were validated using WinXCom and Geant4 simulations.
- Structural (XRD, SEM, RAMAN, FTIR) and mechanical (compressive strength) properties were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The addition of TiO2 nanoparticles significantly improved the mechanical, structural, and nuclear shielding properties of the UPR composites.
- Higher TiO2 content correlated with enhanced radiation shielding capabilities, with the 20% TiO2 composite showing the best performance.
- Fast neutron removal cross-section was also studied in relation to increasing TiO2 content.
Conclusions:
- UPR + TiO2 composites exhibit promising potential as alternative nuclear radiation shielding materials.
- These composites offer advantages such as cost-effectiveness, ease of processing, good dispersion, and lightweightness.
- The 20% TiO2 composite is identified as a superior candidate for radiation shielding applications.
