Fabrication, Structural Characterization, and Photon Attenuation Efficiency Investigation of Polymer-Based Composites
Sitah F Alanazi1, Norah M Alotaibi1, Mohammed Alsuhybani2
1Department of Physics, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11642, Saudi Arabia.
New polymer composites offer effective radiation shielding for low-energy X-rays. Adding silicon and silicon carbide to high-density polyethylene significantly improved shielding performance, making them a safer alternative to lead for diagnostic imaging.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nuclear Engineering
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Lead (Pb) is a traditional radiation shielding material but poses toxicity concerns.
- Polymer composites offer a lighter, non-toxic alternative for radiation shielding applications.
- Diagnostic imaging requires effective shielding against low-energy photons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and evaluate novel polymer composites for enhanced radiation shielding.
- To investigate the effect of silicon (Si) and silicon carbide (SiC) fillers on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composite properties.
- To assess the radiation shielding capabilities of these composites against low-energy X-rays.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of four HDPE-based polymer composites with varying percentages of Si, SiC, and molybdenum (Mo).
- Preparation of 2 mm thick composite disks for radiation exposure.
- Exposure of samples to a low-energy X-ray source (32.5-64.5 keV).
- Evaluation of shielding performance using linear and mass attenuation coefficients, radiation protection efficiency, half-value layer, and mean free path.
Main Results:
- Supplementing HDPE with Si and SiC fillers enhanced X-ray beam attenuation.
- Shielding characteristics improved with increased filler concentration for both Si and SiC.
- Polymer composites with micro-molecule fillers demonstrated superior X-ray shielding compared to pure polymers, especially at low energies.
- Composite HC-20 blocked 92% of the incident beam at 32.5 keV.
- Lower half-value layer and mean free path values were observed with fillers compared to pure HDPE.
Conclusions:
- HDPE-based polymer composites with Si and SiC fillers show promising radiation shielding properties for low-energy X-rays.
- Increased filler concentration and composite thickness can improve shielding effectiveness.
- These materials represent a viable, safer alternative to lead for radiation shielding in applications like diagnostic imaging.
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