Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles decorating electrospun PAN nanofibers for enhanced radiation shielding

Abstract

A comprehensive examination was conducted in our study regarding the incorporation of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles into polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers to improve their radiation protection properties. Using the electrospinning technique, ZnO nanoparticles that were synthesized via the environmentally benign ascorbic acid method were subsequently applied to PAN nanofibers. A multitude of coefficients, including the natural attenuation coefficient and mass attenuation coefficient, are pivotal in evaluating the efficacy of composite materials with regard to radiation protection. It was subjected to a comprehensive evaluation that considered a number of crucial factors: The incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles into PAN nanofiber composites leads to a substantial augmentation in the mass attenuation coefficient, which surges from 0.185 cm2/g to 0.221 cm2/g when compared to pure PAN nanofibers. Similarly, the coefficient of linear attenuation rises from 0.284 1/cm to 0.320 1/cm.