Russian scientists created inexpensive and convenient composite for protection against X-rays and radiation
The new polymer composite in terms of protection against gamma radiation and X-rays can rival with traditional lead, as it is absolutely environmentally safe – as reported by RIA Novosti
Researchers at the Ural Federal University (UrFU) with colleagues from Jordan and Malaysia conducted computational and experimental studies during which they synthesised samples of a new shielding material: an epoxy resin composite filled with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles.
“Tungsten, uranium and some other highly shielding metals cannot be used for radiation shielding for environmental and economic reasons. Pure polymers poorly attenuate X-ray and gamma radiation; however, by adding chemical elements with higher atomic numbers to them, one can significantly increase their shielding ability,” explained Oleg Tashlykov, co-author of the work, Professor at the UrFU’s Department of Nuclear Power Plants and Renewable Energy Sources.
According to the authors, composites of this type will be in demand in the nuclear power industry due to their resistance to heat and chemical attack, as well as the ability to impart the required strength and rigidity to the material.
“Our material is particularly suitable for shielding hard-to-reach spaces with complex shapes. In addition, epoxy resin favourably stands out among all polymers due to its low cost and ease of production. Lead shields better than our composite, but this can be easily compensated by increasing the thickness of the structure,” said Tashlykov.
As the creators underlined, the new composite is completely environmentally friendly both in production and in use.
