Fabrication and Characterization of Clay-Polyethylene Composite Opted for Shielding of Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

This study fabricated and characterized a self-sustaining hydrogenous content clay-polyethylene composite opted for ionizing radiation shielding. Composites designated A–G were fabricated each containing 0–30 wt% of recycled low density polyethylene (LDPE), respectively. To know the effects of the incorporated LDPE on the morphology, microstructural, compressive strength, thermal property and displacement effect on the vital elements were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), universal mechanical testing machine, differential thermal analysis (DTA), Rutherford backscattering (RBS) technique and particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE), respectively. The bulk densities of the clay composites ranged between 1.341 and 2.030 g/cm3. The samples’ XRD analysis revealed similar patterns, with a sharp and prominent peak at angle 2θ equals ~26.11°, which matched with card number 16-0606 of the Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards (JCPDS) that represents Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide (Al2Si2O5(OH)4), a basic formula for Kaolin clay. The compressive strength ranged between 2.52 and 5.53 MPa. The ratio of Si to Al in each composite is about 1:1. The dehydroxylation temperature for samples ranged between 443.23 °C and 555.23 °C.

Novel Polymer Composites for Lead-Free Shielding Applications

“…We specifically explore the integration of LDPE in various formulations, leveraging its known attributes of flexibility, durability, and ease of processing. Studies have shown the development of lead-free polymers which demonstrate improved photon attenuation radiation shielding across various industries compared to traditional lead-based shields which pose toxicity and handling challenges [1][2][3][4].…”

The use of low‐density polyethylene‐molybdenum oxide polymer composites as radiation shielding laminates in dental radiology physical structures

“…Many works have reported the suitability of LDPE in radiation shielding applications because of its properties. [5][6][7][8] Molybdenum oxide (MoO 3 ) is a relatively highdensity material with a density of 4.6 kg/m 3 . Its density and k-edge energy are some of its strong features which has made it very attractive in developing radiation shielding material.…”

“…These sheets could be used as lamination on physical barrier structures which are not necessarily shielding materials themselves. Many works have reported the suitability of LDPE in radiation shielding applications because of its properties 5–8 …”

Radiation Shielding Tests of Crosslinked Polystyrene-b-Polyethyleneglycol Block Copolymers Blended with Nanostructured Selenium Dioxide and Boron Nitride Particles

“…Mortazavi et al aimed to develop a radiation shield for application against both neutron and gamma radiation; for this purpose, they developed borated polyethylene nanocomposite materials, and found that the best attenuation was obtained from a borated polyethylene nanocomposite material that was 5 wt% boron-doped [ 22 ]. Olukotun et al’s research focused on a self-maintaining hydrogenous clay/polyethylene-based composite for use as a shielding material [ 23 ]; their results showed that this material has enriched shielding properties. Alabsy et al investigated frequently used polymers in clinical implementations, novel polymers, and their interaction with radiation via simulation [ 24 ]; their research deduced that these polymer structures can be utilized with some high-Z fillers as radiation shields.…”