Development of <scp>HDPE</scp>/natural fiberboard nanocomposite reinforced <scp>Bi<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub></scp>/<scp>BaO</scp> and <scp>H<sub>3</sub>BO<sub>3</sub></scp>: A sustainable approach for gamma and neutron shielding application
Ali A. M. Yassene, Nesreen R. Abd Elwahab, H. M. Eyssa
Abstract
Abstract Radiation shielding materials significantly contribute to various fields. In this research, a new eco‐friendly nanocomposite shielding material based on high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and natural fiberboard (NF) with different concentrations of barium oxide nanowires (BaO), bismuth oxide nanorods (Bi 2 O 3 ), and boric acid (H 3 BO 3 ) is constructed and investigated for 137 Cs, 60 Co gamma ray, and 142 Am–Be neutron sources. Mechanical and physical testing and thermal analysis were conducted to assess the impact of nanostructure incorporation on the structural integrity and thermal stability of the nanocomposite. The 60 Co gamma and neutron attenuation properties were evaluated using the appropriate radiation sources. The transmission and absorption coefficients of the nanocomposites were measured. The results demonstrated that HDPE/NF filled with BaO, Bi 2 O 3 nanostructure, and boric acid has higher tensile strength and thermal stability than unfilled HDPE/NF. The results displayed that the HDPE/NF filled with 1.5% Bi 2 O 3 and 1.5% BaO improved gamma attenuation and also HDPE/NF/10% boric acid had a high value. The outcomes of this research provide valuable insights into the design and fabrication of radiation shielding materials by understanding the relationship between nanoparticle concentration, radiation attenuation properties, and the mechanical and thermal characteristics of the nanocomposite. This study aims to optimize the performance and applicability of HDPE/NF nanocomposites for radiation protection applications. Highlights Synthesis of BaO nanowires and bismuth oxide (Bi 2 O 3 ) nanorods by hydrothermal simple method. Fabrication and characterization of a new HDPE/natural fiberboard (NF) nanocomposite containing BaO/Bi 2 O 3 /H 3 BO 3 as an eco‐friendly additive. The HDPE/NF/1.5% BaO/1.5% Bi 2 O 3 nanocomposite has better tensile strength and more thermal stability. Usage of HDPE/NF/1.5% BaO/1.5% Bi 2 O 3 nanocomposite that should be utilized for radiation shielding. Usage of HDPE/NF/1.5% BaO/1.5% Bi 2 O 3 /10% H 3 BO 3 nanocomposite that should be utilized for neutron attenuation performance.