Preparation and characterization of novel, non-toxic, radiation shielding, self-healing smart gel

Abstract

For the first time, we report a facile method for the development of a novel, non-toxic, self-healing, as well as X-ray radiation shielding smart gel (NSSH gel). The smart gel has been developed by chemically designing and mineralogically formulating the various precursors inherently present in red mud based compositions and hydrogel matrix containing nanosized glycerolates of metallic oxide ceramic based shielding phases. The required optimized temperature and reaction time for the formation of advanced NSSH gel is found to be 80 °C and 45 min, respectively. The developed smart hydrogel was characterized by using various complementary techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force spectroscopy (AFM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). FESEM microphotographs and AFM images of the NSSH gel show that the particles are in the range of 2–40 nm. FTIR of the NSSH gel has confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups assigned to the polyester linkages such as OH groups, CH, C=O, CO. Thermal analysis of the NSSH gel has confirmed that the citrate ester formed has higher stability up to 500 °C. The developed NSSH gel can successfully be impregnated in the matrix of any suitable substrate, possessing chemical compatibility with the various complementary precursors present in the developed NSSH gel necessary for obtaining multi functional smart material.