Nanoparticle Doped Polymers for Radiation Shielding: A Review

Radiation-shielding is essential in fields involving storage and transport of radiation active material, such as medicine and nuclear engineering. The risk of radiation spill is a source of constant concern with its potential impact on local environment and life. Radiation spills that occur in laboratory are considered minor and containment of radiations in such cases using conventional techniques is not practical. Current practice involves using a suitable chemical absorbent, cleaning the spill region using agents and requires monitoring the spill region regularly for activity. Although this technique is effective in managing minor/laboratory grade spills, it requires careful application and constant monitoring before the area can be deemed safe for work. In this paper, we provide a detailed review of the radiation-shielding properties of polymer nanocomposites and their fabrication. The paper outlines radiation-shielding mechanisms, measurement of radiation attenuation, and factors that influence radiation attenuation. The review also compares analytical attenuation measurement methods against experimental methods. This review would be helpful in not only understanding the underlying energy transfer mechanism, but also aid in exploring polymer nano-composite materials as a viable green option for containing medium to low-level radiation spills.