Fabrication of Kevlar based shielding material for attenuation of ionizing radiations

Abstract

The aim of this study is to fabricate a flexible, lightweight and less toxic alternative to pure lead for shielding against ionizing radiation. Composite material based on room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber with different weight percentages of tungsten carbide, bismuth oxide and a smaller percentage of lead enrichment with Aramid fibre were fabricated. The mechanical parameters like tensile strength, percentage elongation at break, and physical property like density were measured for the prepared composites. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was performed for visualisation and characterization of the prepared composite. Radiation attenuation parameters like determination of Half Value Layer (HVL), Tenth Value Layer (TVL), Linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) & Mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) were carried out. Morphological and mechanical observations showed that the composition with 20% tungsten carbide: 60% Bismuth Oxide and 20% Lead showed superior mechanical properties as the concentration of Bismuth Oxide increased across the filler matrix. The sample prepared with 40 % tungsten carbide: 40% Bismuth Oxide and 20 % of Lead (TSN 3) exhibited good radiation shielding properties against the commonly used radioisotopes. Monte Carlo Neutron-Photon (MCNP) Simulation tools, are used to estimate the attenuation parameters, which are later experimentally determined using a radioactive source (Cesium-137) and Sodium Iodide detector for TSN-3 with the elemental composition.