Investigation of unsaturated polyester based polymer composite radiation shields

Abstract

Polymer composites have wide applications owing to their several advantages, which are quite appreciable in the field of science and technology. In the present study, an attempt has been made to investigate the feasibility of Unsaturated Polyester-WO3 polymer composites in radiation protection, through its morphology, shielding ability and mechanical strength. Open mold cast technique was used to fabricate the composites. The WO3 filler particles were distributed and dispersed in the polymer matrix and was ensured through SEM images. The shielding ability of the polymer composites for 662keV gamma rays was studied using Gamma Ray Spectrometry in terms of shielding parameters like attenuation coefficient (µ) and half value layer thickness (HVL). Mechanical properties of the composites were carried out as per ASTM standards as these composites may experience unexpected load during their lifetime. An increasing trend in the attenuation coefficient was observed with the addition of WO3 filler particles and was found to range from 0.087±0.0084 – 0.169±0.0091 cm−1. The HVL value was found to decrease with increase in the filler content and is in the range 7.967 - 4.11 cm. The highest value for µ and lowest value for HVL was observed with 40Wt% of WO3 filled composite. Tensile strength and modulus were also found to increase with increase in the filler content. These were found to range from 16.00 ± 1.05 – 27.24 ± 1.31 MPa and 1.45 ± 0.04 - 1.94 ± 0.05 GPa respectively. Thus, 40Wt% of WO3 filled Polyester based polymer composite exhibit excellent shielding ability and mechanical strength. This study reveals the role of WO3 in enhancing the gamma shielding ability and mechanical strength of the polymer composites. Hence, these composites find their place in the radiation environment where gamma/X ray sources are in use.