Novel polyethylene/tungsten oxide/bismuth trioxide/barium sulfate/graphene oxide nanocomposites for shielding against X-ray radiations

High-energy beams, such as gamma rays and X-rays, have many applications in nuclear power plants, healthcare, aerospace, and medicine. Therefore, appropriate radiation protection of living bodies in nuclear science and industries is essential to shield humans against the aforementioned radiation. Utilizing shielding materials is a practical method to protect individuals from harmful radiation.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE)-based nanocomposites were prepared to perform as a shield against X-ray radiation by using various weight fractions of the tungsten oxide, barium sulfate, and bismuth trioxide (10, 15, 20, and 25% wt). Samples’ shielding properties were experimentally studied with an X-ray tube at 50, 60, 80, and 120 kVp.

The recorded results showed that with increasing the number of nanoparticles, the transmission factor and HVL values were decreased and the linear attenuation coefficient was increased significantly. SEM, EDX analysis, and TEM evaluated the morphological properties of the fabricated samples. Results revealed that the particle size of the used nanoparticles was in the 25-50 nm range. Thermal study of the prepared nanocomposites including ΔHm, crystalline percentage (Xc), melting point (Tm) as well as the thermal stability of the nanocomposites were determined by using DSC, and TGA, respectively.

Samples including 20% ​​and 25% wt of Bismuth trioxide, and Tungsten trioxide loaded on graphene oxide reached 12% and 10% transmission factor values, respectively.