Developing a radiation shield and investigating the mechanical properties of polyethylene-polyester/CdO bilayer composite

Radiation attenuation and mechanical properties are two key parameters for shielding in space. This study explored the attenuation parameters of cadmium as a popular filler for the shielding of thermal neutrons in the unsaturated polyester (UPS) polymer matrix. The polyester matrix was used for the first time. The composite behavior against gamma radiation (by applying Cs-137 radioisotope, E gamma = 0.662 MeV) was evaluated using the gamma spectrometer. Also, the sample was exposed to neutron radiation by utilizing a²³⁹Pu–Be neutron source. The effect of the composite sample produced with the cadmium filler was also examined when exposed to gamma radiation. Further, the attenuation parameters of the gamma rays were studied. The observations indicated the suitable shielding of this composite for thermal neutrons, such that the half-value layer (HVL) decreased from 7.8 cm in the polyester sample to 0.22 cm in the polyester/10 wt% CdO composite sample. The linear attenuation coefficient of the thermal neutron increased from 0.0888 (cm^-1) in the polyester sample to 3.15 (cm^-1) in the 10 wt% CdO composite sample, thus indicating more than 35-fold improvement in the neutron attenuation. Composite samples were exposed to gamma radiation; contrary to the expectations, the results showed an almost twofold improvement in the attenuation of gamma radiation, as compared to the polyester sample. This composite specimen was coupled to a 2 mm thick linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) layer for the better shielding of thermal neutrons. Finally, the composite sample was mechanically reinforced with a silica glass fiber, which enhanced the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) from 39 to 298 MPa. Also, the elongation rate (% E) was raised from 6% in the polyester sample to 10.5% in the polyester/10 wt% CdO- silica glass fiber sample. Thus, the results indicated the production of a strong composite capable of attenuating neutron and gamma radiation. Accordingly, this composite could be considered a reliable option for use as a shield in space missions.