Fabrication, characterization, and gamma ray shielding properties of PVA-based polymer nanocomposite

Abstract

An innovative cost-effective and lead-free polymer nanocomposite of polyvinyl alcohol/ polyvinyl pyrrolidone was developed. PVA/PVP nanocomposite film contained spherical AgCl and SnO2 nanoparticles was facilely prepared via a one-pot synthesis method. The synthesis route affords uniform dispersion of the both nanoparticles and unique features of polymer nanocomposite of insoluble, dense, and nonporous properties. The new nanocomposite achieved an efficient gamma radiation attenuation capability. The attenuation capacity for gamma photons was investigated in terms of linear and mass attenuation coefficients (µ) and (µm), respectively, at low and high energies (using 60Co and 137Cs sources). Other parameters such as half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), and mean free path (MFP) were used to evaluate the shielding capacity. Theoretical calculation (XCOM program) results were consistent with the obtained experimental results. The results revealed that the essential thickness of the polymer nanocomposite to reduce the γ-ray intensity to 50% is 6.6, 8.9, and 9.8 cm for 662, 1173, and 1332 keV γ-ray energies, respectively. The physio-chemical properties of the polymer nanocomposite were evaluated using spectroscopic, microscopic, and thermal analysis tools. Additionally, the formation of spherical nanoparticles was elucidated using TEM. FTIR and leachability were used to confirm the stability, good durability, and chemical resistivity of the synthesized polymer nanocomposite. The nano-filler AgCl and SnO2 formation mechanism was discussed in detail.Graphical abstract