Attenuation properties of epoxy-Ta2O5 and epoxy-Ta2O5-Bi2O3 composites at γ-ray energies 59.54 and 662 keV |
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Authors: | Muddiyada Vishnu Muthamma Shivappa Gudennavar Bubbly Shivappa Bharamappa Gudennavar |
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Affiliation: | Department of Physics and Electronics, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India |
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Abstract: | Epoxy resin filled with suitable high Z elements can be a potential shield for X-rays and γ-rays. In this work, we present the γ-ray attenuation properties of epoxy composites filled with (0–30 wt%) Tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) and Ta2O5-Bi2O3, which were prepared by open mold cast technique. X-ray diffraction patterns showed crystalline peaks of Ta2O5 and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) in the prepared epoxy-Ta2O5 and epoxy-Ta2O5-Bi2O3 composites. Homogeneity of the samples at higher filler wt% was revealed by SEM images. Mechanical characterization showed the enhanced mechanical strength of epoxy-Ta2O5-Bi2O3 composites compared to epoxy-Ta2O5. Higher storage modulus and glass transition temperature of the epoxy-Ta2O5-Bi2O3 composites showed enhanced stiffness and thermal stability when compared to neat and epoxy-Ta2O5. Decrease in the value of tan(δ) at higher content of filler loadings indicated the good adhesion between filler and matrix. Mass attenuation coefficients of epoxy-Ta2O5 (30 wt%) composites at γ-ray energies 59.54 and 662 keV were found to be 0.876 cm2 g–1 and 0.084 cm2 g–1, while that of epoxy-Ta2O5-Bi2O3 (30 wt% Bi2O3) composite were 1.271 cm2 g–1 and 0.088 cm2 g–1, respectively. The epoxy-5% Ta2O5-30% Bi2O3 composites with higher μ/ρ value and tensile strength may be a potential γ-ray shield in various radiation environments. |
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Keywords: | composites films mechanical properties thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) |
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