Novel flexible and lead-free gamma radiation shielding nanocomposites based on LDPE/SBR blend and BaWO4/B2O3 heterostructures

In the present work, flexible lead-free radiation shielding nanocomposite films based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) doped with BaWO4/B2O3 heterostructures (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) were fabricated using the melt blending method. XRD patterns and FTIR spectra revealed the successful preparation of the nanocomposite films and complexation. SEM images and EDX spectra were also used to illustrate the morphology and elemental composition of the prepared nanocomposite films. Furthermore, the research results showed enhanced thermal stability of the nanocomposite films with increased BaWO4/B2O3 loading. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) values for LDPE/SBR+20 wt% BaWO4/B2O3 nanocomposite film improved to 0.07218 cm2/g compared to 0.06162 cm2/g for pure LDPE/SBR blend. However, a gradual increase was observed in both parameters of mean free path (MFP) and half value layer (HVL) as energy increases. Moreover, using Phy-X/PSD software, the experimental and theoretical data for MAC were compared. The dependency of the nanocomposite's effective atomic and electron numbers on BaWO4/B2O3 content was investigated. The fast neutron removal cross-section (ΣR) values were increased from 0.1081 to 0.2112 cm−1 as the BaWO4/B2O3 content increased to 20 wt%. Overall, these nanocomposite films are suitable for radiation shielding applications. •Flexible nanocomposite films based on LDPE/SBR and BaWO4/B2O3 were synthesized.•The thermal stability of the nanocomposite films was enhanced with increased filler loading.•The radiation shielding properties of the films were investigated.•The present nanocomposite films are suitable for nuclear shielding technology.