Development of novel nanocomposite radiation shielding blocks as gamma rays barrier

• Published in: Radiation physics and chemistry (Oxford, England : 1993) England : 1993), 2023-11, Vol.212, p.111068, Article 111068
• Main Authors: Şevik, Seyfi, Çiçek, Bünyamin, Aydoğmuş, Tuna, Güngüneş, Hakan, Bayaner, Pelin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Composite; Gamma ray; Nanomaterials; Radiation shielding; Resin 3D printer
• ISSN: 0969-806X; 1879-0895
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2023.111068

This work is focused on developing new types of radiation shielding materials using the stereolithography 3D printing technique, which enables the creation of gamma radiation shielding materials in two different sizes. Six different square nanocomposite radiation shielding blocks with an additive ratio of 0.5 wt% were prepared using aluminum nano-powder (nano-Al), copper nano-powder (nano-Cu), calcium nano-powder (nano-Ca), silicon carbide nano-powder (nano-SiC), graphene nano-platelets (GnPs), and eggshell nano-powder (nano-Es). Then, blocks prepared in two different thicknesses (5 mm and 10 mm) were analyzed with Mössbauer spectroscopy utilizing the Co-57 source for γ-ray shielding. The radiation attenuation properties of the developed materials for γ-rays were evaluated. The nano-Cu doped composite block was determined to have the greatest performance in gamma-ray shielding among the specimens mentioned in this investigation. The findings indicate that it is possible to reduce the shield thickness by about 19% compared to neat resin for γ-rays using the determined nano-powders. These experimental findings suggest that the nano-Cu, nano-Ca, and nano-Al reinforced resin nanocomposites are potentially valuable new radiation shielding materials. •Development of novel nanocomposite radiation shielding blocks via stereolithography technique.•Evaluation of radiation shielding effect on nanocomposite blocks with Co-57 source.•The reinforced resin nanocomposites with nano-Cu, nano-Ca, and nano-Al demonstrated a good resistance to γ-ray.•The radiation shield thickness can be reduced by around 19% in comparison to neat resin.