Study on the gamma ray shielding performance of engineering plastic composites enhanced with graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) and graphite (G) additives
Source abstract
Abstract
Abstract This study investigates the effectiveness of PP-ABS and PC-ABS blends reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and graphite (G) in gamma radiation shielding. Composite-I (PP-ABS-GNPs) and Composite-II (PC-ABS-G) were manufactured using extrusion and injection molding, with reinforcement rates ranging from 1 to 11%. The gamma ray shielding properties were evaluated through both experimental and theoretical approaches. Experimental measurements were conducted using a NaI(Tl) detector, while the EGSnrc Monte Carlo code was utilized to determine the mass attenuation coefficients, linear attenuation coefficients, half-value layer, tenth-value layer and mean free path. The effectiveness of different reinforcement ratios was assessed by comparing results across varying additive concentrations. The findings revealed that the graphene and graphite additive ratios influence the shielding effectiveness of the composite materials against gamma rays. Furthermore, when the results are compared to traditional shielding materials previously studied in the literature, these composites demonstrate comparable shielding properties, particularly for photon energies commonly used in medical and industrial applications (100 keV–1 MeV). These results underscore the potential of these composite materials as promising alternatives to conventional shielding materials, providing lightweight properties, cost-effectiveness, and effective radiation protection.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Radiation Shielding Materials Analysis · Graphite, nuclear technology, radiation studies · Polymer Nanocomposite Synthesis and Irradiation
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
References (42)
Show source-provided references
1. H. Alavian, A. Samie, H. Tavakoli-Anbaran, Experimental and Monte Carlo investigations of gamma ray transmission and buildup factors for inorganic nanoparticle/epoxy composites. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 174, 108960 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2020.10896010.1016/j.radphyschem.2020.108960 ↗
2. P. Makvandi, S. Iftekhar, F. Pizzetti, A. Zarepour, E.N. Zare, M. Ashrafizadeh, F. Rossi, Functionalization of polymers and nanomaterials for water treatment, food packaging, textile and biomedical applications: a review. Environ. Chem. Lett. 19, 583–611 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-020-01089-410.1007/s10311-020-01089-4 ↗
3. G. Yan, X. Wang, D. Wu, Development of lightweight thermoplastic composites based on polycarbonate/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer alloys and recycled carbon fiber: preparation, morphology, and properties. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 129(6), 3502–3511 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1002/app.3910510.1002/app.39105 ↗
4. L. Zhang, E. Han, Y. Wu, X. Wang, D. Wu, Surface decoration of short-cut polyimide fibers with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and their application for reinforcement of lightweight PC/ABS composites. Appl. Surf. Sci. 442, 124–137 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2018.02.12910.1016/j.apsusc.2018.02.129 ↗
5. G.S. Lohar, B.F. Jogi, Influence of carbon black (CB) on mechanical behaviour and microscopic analysis of poly-propylene (PP)/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) nanocomposites. Procedia Manuf. 20, 85–90 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2018.02.01210.1016/j.promfg.2018.02.012 ↗
6. L.G. Amurin, M.D. Felisberto, F.L. Ferreira, P.H. Soraes, P.N. Oliveira, B.F. Santos, G.G. Silva, Multifunctionality in ultra high molecular weight polyethylene nanocomposites with reduced graphene oxide: hardness, impact and tribological properties. Polymer J. 240, 124475 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2021.12447510.1016/j.polymer.2021.124475 ↗
7. B.B. Difallah, M. Kharrat, M. Dammak, G. Monteil, Mechanical and tribological response of ABS polymer matrix filled with graphite powder. Mater. Des. 34, 782–787 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2011.07.00110.1016/j.matdes.2011.07.001 ↗
8. Y. Li, S. Wang, Q. Wang, Enhancement of tribological properties of polymer composites reinforced by functionalized graphene. Compos. B Eng. 120, 83–91 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2017.03.06310.1016/j.compositesb.2017.03.063 ↗
9. Y. Li, Q. Wang, S. Wang, A review on enhancement of mechanical and tribological properties of polymer composites reinforced by carbon nanotubes and graphene sheet: molecular dynamics simulations. Compos. B Eng. 160, 348–361 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.12.02610.1016/j.compositesb.2018.12.026 ↗
10. A. Mura, F. Adamo, H. Wang, W.S. Leong, X. Ji, J. Kong, Investigation about tribological behavior of ABS and PC-ABS polymers coated with graphene. Tribol Int. 134, 335–340 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2019.02.01710.1016/j.triboint.2019.02.017 ↗
11. V. Tambrallimath, R. Keshavamurthy, S.D. Bavan, A.Y. Patil, T.M. Yunus Khan, I.A. Badruddin, S. Kamangar, Mechanical properties of PC-ABS-based graphene-reinforced polymer nanocomposites fabricated by FDM process. Polym. J. 13(17), 2951 (2021). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym1317295110.3390/polym13172951 ↗
12. Y.S. Jun, J.G. Um, G. Jiang, A. Yu, A study on the effects of graphene nano-platelets (GnPs) sheet sizes from a few to hundred microns on the thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of polypropylene (PP)/GnPs composites. Express Poly Lett. 12(10), 885–897 (2018). https://doi.org/10.3144/expresspolymlett.2018.7610.3144/expresspolymlett.2018.76 ↗
13. J. Andrzejewski, A.K. Mohanty, M. Misra, Development of hybrid composites reinforced with biocarbon/carbon fiber system. The comparative study for PC, ABS and PC/ABS based materials. Composn B Eng. 200, 108319 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2020.10831910.1016/j.compositesb.2020.108319 ↗
14. M.I. Sayyed, A.M. Al-Ma’abreh, M.A. Imheidat, S.O. Aldajah, K.A. Mahmoud, Enhancement of borosilicate glass’s radiation shielding properties: impacts of PbO substitution for SiO2. Silicon. 16(3), 1377–1386 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-023-02766-z10.1007/s12633-023-02766-z ↗
15. A.M.A. Henaish, M. Mostafa, B.I. Salem, H.M. Zakaly, S.A. Issa, I.A. Weinstein, O.M. Hemeda, Spectral, electrical, magnetic and radiation shielding studies of Mg-doped Ni–Cu–Zn nanoferrites. J. Mater. Sci. Mater. Electron. 31, 20210–20222 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-020-04541-x10.1007/s10854-020-04541-x ↗
16. A.M. Madbouly, O.I. Sallam, S.A. Issa, M. Rashad, A. Hamdy, H.O. Tekin, H.M. Zakaly, Experimental and FLUKA evaluation on structure and optical properties and γ-radiation shielding capacity of bismuth borophosphate glasses. Prog Nucl. Energy. 148, 104219 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2022.10421910.1016/j.pnucene.2022.104219 ↗
17. B.C. Reddy, H.C. Manjunatha, Y.S. Vidya, K.N. Sridhar, U.M. Pasha, L. Seenappa, P.D. Gupta, X-ray/gamma ray radiation shielding properties of α-Bi2O3 synthesized by low temperature solution combustion method. Nucl. Eng. Technol. 54(3), 1062–1070 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2021.09.02310.1016/j.net.2021.09.023 ↗
18. H.C. Manjunatha, B.M. Chandrika, L. Seenappa, C. Hanumantharayappa, Study of gamma Attenuation properties of tungsten copper alloys. Int. J. Nucl. Energy Sci. Technol. 10(4), 356–368 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1504/IJNEST.2016.08200510.1504/IJNEST.2016.082005 ↗
19. N. Nagaraja, H.C. Manjunatha, L. Seenappa, K.N. Sridhar, H.B. Ramalingam, N. Sowmya, 2022. Specific absorbed fraction of energy and relative dose in some polymers. Mater. Today Proc., 49, 898–903. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.07.15410.1016/j.matpr.2021.07.154 ↗
20. H.C. Manjunatha, L. Seenappa, Gamma, X-ray and neutron radiation shielding properties of al, si, K, na, B and Pb polymer concretes. Int. J. Nucl. Energy Sci. Technol., 12(3), 294–311. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJNEST.2018.09569810.1504/IJNEST.2018.095698 ↗
21. J. Viegas, L.A. Silva, A.M. Batista, C.A. Furtado, J.P. Nascimento, L.O. Faria, Increased X-ray Attenuation efficiency of graphene-based nanocomposite. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 56(41), 11782–11790 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.7b0271110.1021/acs.iecr.7b02711 ↗
22. M. Zarei, S. Sina, S.A. Hashemi, Superior X-ray radiation shielding of biocompatible platform based on reinforced polyaniline by decorated graphene oxide with interconnected tungsten–bismuth–tin complex. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 188, 109588 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2021.10958810.1016/j.radphyschem.2021.109588 ↗
23. A. Badawi, S. Alsufyani, S.S. Alharthi, M.G. Althobaiti, A.A. Alkathiri, M. Almurayshid, A.N. Alharbi, Impact of gamma irradiation on the structural, linear and nonlinear optical properties of lead oxide incorporated pva/graphene blend for shielding applications. Opt. Mater. 127, 112244 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2022.11224410.1016/j.optmat.2022.112244 ↗
24. D. Ickecan, M.N. Turkan, H. Gulbi̇cim, Investigation of shielding properties of impregnated activated carbon for gamma-rays. Appl. Radiat. Isot. 172, 109687 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.10968710.1016/j.apradiso.2021.109687 ↗
25. R.A. Ghazi, K.H. Al-Mayalee, E. Al-Bermany, F.S. Hashim, A.K.J. Albermany, Impact of polymer molecular weights and graphene nanosheets on fabricated PVA-PEG/GO nanocomposites: morphology, sorption behavior and shielding application. AIMS Mater. Sci. 9(4) (2022). https://www.aimspress.com/article/doi/https://doi.org/10.3934/matersci.202203510.3934/matersci.2022035 ↗
26. H.C. Manjunatha, Y.S. Vidya, K.N. Sridhar, L. Seenappa, B.C. Reddy, S. Manjunatha, P.D. Gupta, Photocatalytic, shielding and cytotoxic properties of reduced graphene oxide and barium ferrite nanocomposite synthesized via green combustion method. J. Sci: Adv. Mater. Devices. 7(3), 100442 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsamd.2022.10044210.1016/j.jsamd.2022.100442 ↗
27. Ö. Başgöz, S.H. Güler, Ö. Güler, C.A. Canbay, H.M. Zakaly, S.A. Issa, H.O. Tekin, Synergistic effect of Boron nitride and graphene nanosheets on behavioural attitudes of polyester matrix: synthesis, experimental and Monte Carlo simulation studies. Diam. Relat. Mater. 126, 109095 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diamond.2022.10909510.1016/j.diamond.2022.109095 ↗
28. B.C. Reddy, S. Manjunatha, H.C. Manjunatha, Y.S. Vidya, K.N. Sridhar, L. Seenappa, U.M. Pasha, NeemLeaves mediated green synthesis of copper ferrite decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for photoluminescence, gamma/X-ray radiation shielding, antimicrobial and anticancer properties. Solid State Sci. 134, 107029 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2022.10702910.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2022.107029 ↗
29. S.S. Türkaslan, Ş.S. Ugur, B.E. Türkaslan, N. Fantuzzi, Evaluating the X-ray-shielding performance of graphene-oxide-coated nanocomposite fabric. J. Mater. 15(4), 1441 (2022). https://doi.org/10.3390/ma1504144110.3390/ma15041441 ↗
30. M.M. Atta, M.T. Abou-Laila, M.H. Abdelwahed, S.A. Dwidar, O. Desouky, Structural, mechanical, and thermal features of pva/starch/graphene oxide nanocomposite enriched with WO3 as gamma–ray radiation shielding materials for medical applications. Polym. Eng. Sci. 63(11), 3843–3854 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.2649010.1002/pen.26490 ↗
31. P. Dai, X. Meng, X. Sun, A. Cheng, Y. Guo, Y. Jiao, L. Wang, Radiation synthesis of boronic acid modified graphene oxide for enhance the neutron shielding property of silicone rubber. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 212, 111179 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2023.11117910.1016/j.radphyschem.2023.111179 ↗
32. B.C. Reddy, Y.S. Vidya, H.C. Manjunatha, S. Manjunatha, K.N. Sridhar, R. Munirathnam, L. Seenappa, Spinach leaves extract mediated synthesis of reduced graphene oxide decorated nanoferrites: structural, X-ray/gamma ray radiation shielding and optical properties. Mater. Sci. Eng. B 299, 116979 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mseb.2023.11697910.1016/j.mseb.2023.116979 ↗
33. S. Şevik, B. Çiçek, T. Aydoğmuş, H. Güngüneş, P. Bayaner, Development of novel nanocomposite radiation shielding blocks as gamma rays barrier. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 212, 111068 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2023.11106810.1016/j.radphyschem.2023.111068 ↗
34. A.O. Gul, E. Kavaz, O. Basgoz, O. Guler, G. Almisned, E. Bahceci, S.H. Guler, H.O. Tekin, Graphene nanoplatelet-reinforced high entropy alloys (HEAs) through B4C incorporation: structural, physical, mechanical and nuclear shielding properties. Appl. Phys. A 129(10), 713 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-023-06985-410.1007/s00339-023-06985-4 ↗
35. Y. Kavun, H. Eskalen, M. Kavgacı, A study on gamma radiation shielding performance and characterization of graphitic carbon nitride. Chem. Phys. Lett. 811, 140246 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cplett.2022.14024610.1016/j.cplett.2022.140246 ↗
36. H. Gülbiçim, M.Ç. Tufan, M.N. Türkan, The investigation of vermiculite as an alternating shielding material for gamma rays. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 130, 112–117 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2016.07.02510.1016/j.radphyschem.2016.07.025 ↗
37. I. Kawrakow, E. Mainegra-Hing, D.W.O. Rogers, F. Tessier, B.R.B. Walters, 2021. The EGSnrc Code System. NRCC Report PIRS-701.
38. M.J. Berger, J.H. Hubbell, S.M. Seltzer, J. Chang, J.S. Coursey, R. Sukumar, 2010. XCOM Photon Cross Sections Database, NIST, PML, Radiation Physics Division. http://physics.nist.gov/PhysRefData/Xcom/Text/XCOM.html
39. İ. Karteri̇, M. Öge, Y. Küçük, T.Ö. Öge, F.B. Özdemi̇r, M. Karataşlı, T. Babacan, Investigation of tribological properties of polypropylene (PP) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blends reinforced with graphene nano-platelets (GNPs). Tribol. Int. 183, 108419 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2023.10841910.1016/j.triboint.2023.108419 ↗
40. N.K. Hante, C. Medina, M.J. Santos-Martinez, Effect on platelet function of metal-based nanoparticles developed for medical applications. Front. Cardiovasc. Med. 6, 139 (2019). https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2019.0013910.3389/fcvm.2019.00139 ↗
41. S. Dutta, I. Banerjee, K.K. Jaiswal, Graphene and graphene-based nanomaterials for biological and environmental applications for sustainability. Octa J. Biosci. 8(2), 106–112 (2020)
42. M. Toha, R.R. Rahman, S. Sikder, M.M. Rahman, 2025. Toxicological and Life-Cycle Perspectives on Waste Derived Carbon Nanomaterials. American Chemical Society. Volume 1 (pp. 279–308). https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2025-1494.ch01210.1021/bk-2025-1494.ch012 ↗