Gamma Radiation Shielding Characteristics of Nanocomposites Fabricated by Ultrasonic Waves-Assisted Cold Blending of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and MDPE Matrix

Abstract

In this study, hybrid nanocomposites were prepared from MDPE matrix reinforced with TiO₂ nanoparticles with different weight fractions using cold blending method assisted by ultrasonic waves. The gamma radiation shielding characteristics of these nanocomposites were introduced and compared throughout measuring parameters such as mass and linear attenuation coefficients, half-value and tenth-value thicknesses, effective atomic number, effective electron density, and effective conductivity. Different radioactive sources with different energies ranging in 0.01-16 eV were used. Results showed that adding TiO₂ nanoparticles to the MDPE matrix has reasonably enhanced the prepared nanocomposites’ capability for radiation shielding as the apparent density of the samples was increased with increasing TiO₂ nanoparticles content in the composite samples. Consequently, the thickness required for shielding was reduced and attenuation parameters were increased especially at low energies where the photoelectric effect dominates. As well, samples with higher weight fractions of TiO₂ nanoparticles showed higher values of effective atomic number and effective electron density that enhances scattering and absorption efficiency. In general, the prepared hybrid nanocomposites have confirmed their effectiveness as promising materials for radiation shielding applications with good control of their characteristics according to practical requirements related to weight, cost, and mechanical performance.