Polymeric gamma rays shield promoted by ferrite nanoparticles synthesized with Ni and Zn cations

Abstract

Nanocrystalline ferrite with spinel nickel and zinc cations has been prepared according to the formula Zn_xNi_{1- x}Fe₂O₄ where x = 0.1. After that, the synthesized Zn_0.1Ni_0.9Fe₂O₄ was inserted in a polystyrene polymer with concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15 wt% using melt-processing technique. The properties of the nanocomposites including structural, morphological, and thermal properties are attained using X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The elemental composition and existence of cations in the composite structure are verified also the crystal size of the nano-ferrite is equal to 28.18 nm. According to the chemical composition obtained by EDX spectroscopy the Ni increased in the fabricated composite samples between 0 and 2.3 wt%. The increase in Ni concentration is associated by an increase in the density of fabricated composites between 1.042 and 1.211 g/cm³, respectively. Then, the increase in the Ni concentrations within the fabricated composites enhances the radiation shielding properties of fabricated composites as proved by the Monte Carlo simulation over the energy interval of 15–244 keV. The increase in the Ni concentration between 0 and 2.3 wt% increase the linear attenuation coefficient of fabricated composites between 0.881 and 6.933 cm⁻¹ (at 15 keV), 0.184–0.330 cm⁻¹ (at 59.5 keV), and 0.120–0.140 cm⁻¹ (at 244 keV), respectively. The enhancement in the linear attenuation coefficient decreases the half value thickness of fabricated composites to 0.10, 2.10, and 4.94 cm at 15, 59.5, and 244 keV, respectively.