Trends in reinforced composite design for ionizing radiation shielding applications: a review

• Published in: Journal of materials science 2021-07, Vol.56 (20), p.11631-11655
• Main Authors: Okafor, Christian Emeka, Okonkwo, Ugochukwu Chuka, Okokpujie, Imhade Princess
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Burns; Burns and scalds; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Classical Mechanics; Composite materials; Crystallography and Scattering Methods; Design parameters; Electric properties; Electrical properties; Human tissues; Ionizing radiation; Materials Science; Materials selection; Polymer matrix composites; Polymer Sciences; Radiation shielding; Review; Solid Mechanics; Technology application; Toxicity; Wave attenuation; Weight reduction
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1007/s10853-021-06037-3

This review explored recent developments in reinforced composite design and applications for improved radiation shielding and high percentage attenuation. Radiation energy moves as a wave. Thus unguarded exposure to high-energy radiation is inimical to the human tissue and the overall health standing of individuals which may result in cancer, tumour, skin burns and cardiovascular diseases. Radiation energy is conventionally contained using lead-based shields. However, recent literature has faulted the continued use of lead citing drawbacks such as high toxicity, poisoning, lack of chemical stability, heaviness and hazardous after life handling. Consequently, the trending research evidence has shown mass deviation towards the use of reinforced polymer composite as an alternative to lead due to their light weight, low cost, high resilience, good mechanical tenacity and interesting electrical properties. The present review therefore summarizes the criteria for ionizing radiation shielding material design, mechanism of radiation energy shielding, beam penetration in composite shielding materials, theoretical shielding parameters in the design of radiation protective materials, scheme of reinforced composite material selection for shielding purposes and various control variables in the design of composite for ionizing radiation shielding. In addition, an attempt was made to highlight gaps in research and draw future scope for further studies. It is expected that this review will give some guidance to the future exploration in the design and application of reinforced composite with respect to ionizing radiation shielding processes.