Attenuation properties of epoxy‐Ta2O5 and epoxy‐Ta2O5‐Bi2O3 composites at γ‐ray energies 59.54 and 662 keV

Abstract

AbstractEpoxy resin filled with suitable high Z elements can be a potential shield for X‐rays and γ‐rays. In this work, we present the γ‐ray attenuation properties of epoxy composites filled with (0–30 wt%) Tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) and Ta2O5‐Bi2O3, which were prepared by open mold cast technique. X‐ray diffraction patterns showed crystalline peaks of Ta2O5 and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) in the prepared epoxy‐Ta2O5 and epoxy‐Ta2O5‐Bi2O3 composites. Homogeneity of the samples at higher filler wt% was revealed by SEM images. Mechanical characterization showed the enhanced mechanical strength of epoxy‐Ta2O5‐Bi2O3 composites compared to epoxy‐Ta2O5. Higher storage modulus and glass transition temperature of the epoxy‐Ta2O5‐Bi2O3 composites showed enhanced stiffness and thermal stability when compared to neat and epoxy‐Ta2O5. Decrease in the value of tan(δ) at higher content of filler loadings indicated the good adhesion between filler and matrix. Mass attenuation coefficients of epoxy‐Ta2O5 (30 wt%) composites at γ‐ray energies 59.54 and 662 keV were found to be 0.876 cm2 g–1 and 0.084 cm2 g–1, while that of epoxy‐Ta2O5‐Bi2O3 (30 wt% Bi2O3) composite were 1.271 cm2 g–1 and 0.088 cm2 g–1, respectively. The epoxy‐5% Ta2O5‐30% Bi2O3 composites with higher μ/ρ value and tensile strength may be a potential γ‐ray shield in various radiation environments.