Radiation shielding properties of polyimide composite materials
Abstract
This work presents data on the possibility and perspectives of using bismuth silicate as a filler for a radiation-shielding composite based on the polyimide matrix. The aim of this work was to experimentally estimate the protective characteristics of this polymer composite during the passage of electron energy (from 1 to 6 MeV) and gamma ray energy (0.4 MeV and 0.662 MeV). For a larger range of energy, theoretical calculations for the passage of electrons and gamma radiation through the composite were used. The introduction of the proposed filler in an amount of 70 wt% reduced the effective range of the electron by two times in the polyimide. The absorption coefficient of electrons in the proposed composite was much greater than the coefficient of reflection for electrons of the same energy. As the initial energy of the electron increases, the effect of their reflection decreases and the effect of their absorption increases. According to experimental data, the linear attenuation coefficients at 0.5 MeV and 0.662 MeV of energy were 0.87 ± 0.10 cm-1 and 0.39 ± 0.04 cm-1, respectively. At an energy of 0.5 MeV, the linear attenuation coefficient for the composite was 2.5 times and 1.4 times more than that of aluminum at an energy of 0.5 MeV and 1 MeV, respectively. The difference between the estimated and experimental data was small (around 8-11%), such that the calculated and the experimental results were in agreement.
- Publication:
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Radiation Physics and Chemistry
- Pub Date:
- June 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2019.02.041
- Bibcode:
- 2019RaPC..159..111C
- Keywords:
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- Aerospace materials;
- Polyimide;
- Composite materials;
- Electrons;
- Gamma-rays