Attenuation properties of <scp>epoxy‐Ta<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub></scp> and <scp>epoxy‐Ta<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>‐Bi<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub></scp> composites at γ‐ray energies 59.54 and 662 <scp>keV</scp>
M V Muthamma, S. G. Bubbly, S. B. Gudennavar
Abstract
Abstract Epoxy 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 (Ta 2 O 5 ) and Ta 2 O 5 ‐Bi 2 O 3, which were prepared by open mold cast technique. X‐ray diffraction patterns showed crystalline peaks of Ta 2 O 5 and bismuth oxide (Bi 2 O 3 ) in the prepared epoxy‐Ta 2 O 5 and epoxy‐Ta 2 O 5 ‐Bi 2 O 3 composites. Homogeneity of the samples at higher filler wt% was revealed by SEM images. Mechanical characterization showed the enhanced mechanical strength of epoxy‐Ta 2 O 5 ‐Bi 2 O 3 composites compared to epoxy‐Ta 2 O 5 . Higher storage modulus and glass transition temperature of the epoxy‐Ta 2 O 5 ‐Bi 2 O 3 composites showed enhanced stiffness and thermal stability when compared to neat and epoxy‐Ta 2 O 5 . 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‐Ta 2 O 5 (30 wt%) composites at γ‐ray energies 59.54 and 662 keV were found to be 0.876 cm 2 g –1 and 0.084 cm 2 g –1 , while that of epoxy‐Ta 2 O 5 ‐Bi 2 O 3 (30 wt% Bi 2 O 3 ) composite were 1.271 cm 2 g –1 and 0.088 cm 2 g –1 , respectively. The epoxy‐5% Ta 2 O 5 ‐30% Bi 2 O 3 composites with higher μ / ρ value and tensile strength may be a potential γ‐ray shield in various radiation environments.