Optimal radiation shielding capacity and thermal properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) films enhanced with different metal complexes

Abstract

Samples of pure poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and PMMA enhanced with metal complexes of Zn, Cd, and Hg were synthesized via catalytic chain transfer polymerization. Structural analysis, by means of XRD, showed the amorphous nature of the studied samples which meant high homogenous dissolution of the metals (Zn, Cd and Hg) into the polymer matrix. Density values increased linearly with respect to atomic radius of the incorporated metals. Addition of such elements causes an increase in mass attenuation coefficients and a remarkable decrease in the Half Value Layer (HVL) values, in comparison to existing standard shielding materials. Thermal studies by DSC indicated highly homogenous internal structure of the studied samples, with slight decrease in the Tg value when introducing metals due to heterogeneous nucleation agent role of the Cd, Zn and Hg. All observations and results suggest the studied materials to be used as promising and proper aprons for medical radiation shielding applications.

Synthesis, structural, optical, and thermal properties of LaFeO3/Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Poly(vinyl acetate) nanocomposites for radiation shielding

“…Bardak et al reported that PVAc is only partly crystalline, where two crystalline peaks at 12.5° and ~ 21° were found in its XRD pattern 13 . In addition, Saudi et al 10 also found two peaks at ~ 26 and 48 in the XRD pattern of PMMA. When more LaFeO 3 (0.5–10 wt%) was loaded, the intensity of these peaks went down without moving their centers, which shows that the matrix became more disorganized.…”

“…Polymer nanocomposites are multifunctional materials that can be applied for catalytic reduction of pollutants, environmental applications, food backing, and various medical and pharmaceutical purposes 4 – 6 . Moreover, when compared to some alloys and bioglasses used in space applications 7 – 10 , these polymer nanocomposite materials can shield radiation well while having lower mass and density, being easy to handle, being flexible, and producing less secondary radiation.…”

“…Putting MWCNTs inside poly(methyl methacrylate), or PMMA, made it more stable at high temperatures and cut down on the production of neutrons in pure PMMA. Saudi et al 10 mixed PMMA with Zn, Hg, or Cd carbazone to block γ-rays with energies between 662 and 1333 keV. Among them, the Hg/PMMA complex exhibited the best gamma shielding capacity for medical radiation shielding.…”