In situ Reaction and Radiation Protection Properties of Gd(AA)₃/NR Composites

Abstract

Summary: For the first time, a series of Gd(AA)3/NR (natural rubber) composites for X‐ray shielding were prepared by an in situ reaction method. Occurrence of the in situ polymerization of Gd(AA)3 in composites during vulcanization of NR with peroxide greatly improves the dispersion level of the shielding phase by the remarkable reduction of Gd(AA)3 particle size and the formation of small sized poly‐Gd(AA)3 from the matrix. As expected and assumed, the X‐ray shielding properties of all composites apparently increase with the increase of the degree of dispersion of Gd(AA)3 in composites.The ability of the composites to shield X‐ray radiation increases with an increase in Gd(AA)3 content and as the degree of in situ polymerization of Gd(AA)3 increases (i.e., as t tends towards t100).imageThe ability of the composites to shield X‐ray radiation increases with an increase in Gd(AA)3 content and as the degree of in situ polymerization of Gd(AA)3 increases (i.e., as t tends towards t100).

Study on hard X-ray absorbing properties of nanocluster polyaniline

“…Zhang demonstrated radiation shielding properties of Gd(AA)NR composites [6]. The importance of X-ray shielding for its extensive application is well known [6]. The traditional shielding materials made from composites of lead oxide and rubber have good absorbing abilities for radiation with energies between 13 and 40 keV.…”

“…Many researchers developed polymer composites with good absorption for X-ray and gamma ray. Zhang demonstrated radiation shielding properties of Gd(AA)NR composites [6]. The importance of X-ray shielding for its extensive application is well known [6].…”

“…This is the regular energy region of X-ray used for medical diagnosis that is called "lead feeble absorbing area" or hard X-ray. Another remarkable shortcoming of the composites containing lead is its certain toxicity [6]. Consequently, some explorations have been conducted to look for substitutes.…”

“…In addition, lanthanides have a much lower toxicity than lead. Thus, the polymer composites containing lanthanides suggest a novel and efficient way for overall and efficient X-ray shielding [6]. But all these materials have toxicity agents.…”

Polyethylene/boron nitride composites for space radiation shielding

“…16 High-strength polyimides have been paired with boron-rich powders and whiskers. 17,18 Space radiation shielding polymer composites based on commercial polyethylenes would have processing advantages, and could be easily fabricated into sheets for laminates, extruded into profiles or foams, and injection-molded for structural parts. Fillers such as boron-rich additives could improve the shielding characteristics as well as improve the modulus.…”