Effect of Pb₃O₄ nanocomposite on the structural, optical, and radiation shielding properties of PVA Films

This study investigated the effect of lead tetroxide nanoparticles (Pb₃O₄ NPs) on the properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). PVA films were prepared by a conventional casting method, with varying concentrations of Pb₃O₄ NPs (0, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9 wt %). A significant increase in the crystallinity of the PVA film with increasing Pb₃O₄ NPs concentrations and the uniform distribution of Pb₃O₄ NPs on the surface of the films were demonstrated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Optical characterizations revealed increased light absorption and decreased light transmittance with increasing Pb₃O₄ concentration. Among the significant optical results, the band gap energy of the samples decreased from 4.95 to 3.77 eV for pure PVA and PVA/9% Pb₃O₄. The radiation blocking capabilities of the PVA films were investigated experimentally using a NaI (Tl) detector and theoretically using Phy-X/PSD software in the gamma-ray energy range (0.511-1.332) MeV. The experimental and theoretical results were consistent, highlighting that higher concentrations of Pb₃O₄ improve the effectiveness of PVA films in reducing gamma ray penetration. Thus, the control of the filler concentrations to enhance the shielding properties will open up a new strategy to synthesize novel materials for radiation applications.