A Brief Review on the High-Energy Electromagnetic Radiation-Shielding Materials Based on Polymer Nanocomposites

Abstract

This paper revises the use of polymer nanocomposites to attenuate high-energy electromagnetic radiation (HE-EMR), such as gamma radiation. As known, high-energy radiation produces drastic damage not only in facilities or electronic devices but also to life and the environment. Among the different approaches to attenuate the HE-EMR, we consider the use of compounds with a high atomic number (Z), such as lead, but as known, lead is toxic. Therefore, different works have considered low-toxicity post-transitional metal-based compounds, such as bismuth. Additionally, nanosized particles have shown higher performance to attenuate HE-EMR than those that are micro-sized. On the other hand, materials with π-conjugated systems can also play a role in spreading the energy of electrons ejected as a consequence of the interaction of HE-EMR with matter, preventing the ionization and bond scission of polymers. The different effects produced by the interactions of the matter with HE-EMR are revised. The increase of the shielding properties of lightweight, flexible, and versatile materials such as polymer-based materials can be a contribution for developing technologies to obtain more efficient materials for preventing the damage produced for the HE-EMR in different industries where it is found.

Radiation Shielding Tests of Crosslinked Polystyrene-b-Polyethyleneglycol Block Copolymers Blended with Nanostructured Selenium Dioxide and Boron Nitride Particles

“…It should also be noted that when the gamma radiation energy increases, the RPE rates decrease, meaning that these decreases in the RPE rates confirm that all of our results are compatible with the other attenuation parameters (i.e., , , HVL, TVL, MFP) computed and experimentally detected. These conclusions obtained are consistent with the results of the research composites developed for gamma-ray shielding with various nanostructured additives, including polymers [ 11 , 12 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. As a result, the current alterations in nanoparticle proportions are quite efficacious for diminishing the influence of gamma radiation.…”

“…Güven’s research focused on radiation-supported production of polymeric nanomaterials, suggesting that these developed materials with high added value will not be limited to existing applications, but will be enriched with different usage properties [ 29 ]. Acevedo-Del-Castillo et al investigated the use of polymer nanocomposites to attenuate the implementation of high-energy irradiation, and found that the increase in the attenuating characteristics of slight, resilient, and well-rounded substances (such as polymeric materials) can be a contribution of upcoming technologies to the acquisition of more influential substances for diminishing the detriment caused to the high-energy electromagnetic radiation (HE-EMR) in several areas where it is found [ 30 ]. Doyan et al worked on the polymeric film materials of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), trichloroethylene (TCE), and cresol red (CR) dye to expose the gamma beams for eventual implementation in radiation dosimetry; their results indicate that enhancement of the radiation rate altered the hue of the polymeric film, from purple (pH > 8.8) with no radiation (0 kGy) to yellow (nearly pellucid) (2.8 < pH < 7.2) at the uppermost rate (12 kGy); in other words, these results demonstrated a useful dose range of 0–12 kGy for the investigated polymeric film samples [ 31 ].…”

Design and Study of Novel Composites Based on EPDM Rubber Containing Bismuth (III) Oxide and Graphene Nanoplatelets for Gamma Radiation Shielding

“…The use of rubbers in the production of materials that allow attenuation of this radiation, combined with flexibility properties, can be oriented to versatile applications such as flexible shielding and coating of electronic devices, among others [ 5 ]. As it is well known [ 6 ], lead is the metallic element most often used for radiation attenuation, but this element is toxic both for human health and for the environment. In this context, the bismuth element seems to emerge as a viable alternative to replace lead since it is more environmentally friendly and non-toxic to health [ 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

Engineering Multicolor Radiative Centers in hBN Flakes by Varying the Electron Beam Irradiation Parameters

“…In addition, electron-irradiation-induced defects have been employed in the engineering of graphene electronic properties [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ] and, more generally, in sensing applications [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. In the case of high-energy electron irradiation, graphene has been mainly employed in composites for radiation shielding applications [ 30 ], therefore structural defects induced by MeV electrons in graphene sheets have been very poorly studied [ 31 , 32 ].…”