Valorizations of recycled polymers/bottom ash composite for gamma attenuation and radiation shielding application

This study investigated the potential of recycled polymer (RP) /bottom ash (BA) composites for gamma radiation shielding applications and focused on the optimization of shielding performance by repurposing industrial by-products like BA from local incineration plants. Different concentrations of BA were prepared as follows: 1 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% were incorporated in to the RP matrix. The composites were prepared through melt blending, then compressed using a mounting press with 1 mm thickness. The mechanical properties of the prepared composites, were investigated. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to examine the thermal stability of the prepared composites, whereas the structural morphology of the tensile samples was studied using SEM. The radiation shielding capabilities of the prepared composite sheets were examined using radioactive isotopes Cs-137 (0.662 MeV) with an activity of 5μCi. The mass attenuation coefficient for the composite sheets was measured as a function of filler percentage. The data show that the tensile strength and thermal stability of the prepared composite sheets increase up to 3 wt.% of BA reinforcement, while the elongation decreases gradually. This is attributed to the good dispersion of BA in the matrix. Higher concentrations lead to agglomeration of BA filler, resulting in decreased strength. On the other hand, the composite sample with the maximum concentration of 10 wt. % BA has good shielding characteristics, with a gamma attenuation efficiency of 74% compared with the neat polymer matrix. The obtained results recommend the use of the prepared 10 wt.% composite. The significance of this research lies in addressing the reuse of industrial waste materials by valorization waste into valuable products therefore achieving circular economy as well as a promising candidate material for gamma radiation shielding capability.