Gamma radiation shielding properties for polymer composites reinforced with bismuth tungstate in different proportions.

In this study, inorganic compound (Bi 2 (WO 4) 3) was added into the composite to improve the radiation shielding properties of polymer composite. A polymer matrix was prepared by combining unsaturated polyester resin with methyl ethyl ketone peroxide and cobalt octoate (6%), and Bi 2 (WO 4) 3 was added to this polymer matrix at different ratios as filling material. In order to investigate the gamma radiation attenuation properties of the obtained polymer composites, mass attenuation coefficients, radiation shielding efficiencies, radiation transmission factors, linear attenuation coefficients, half values layer, tenth values layer, mean free path values, effective atomic numbers and effective electron densities parameters were obtained. Experimental studies were carried out with the help of HPGe detector at 22 different energies emitted from 22Na, 54Mn, 57Co, 60Co, 133Ba, 137Cs, 152Eu and 241Am radioactive sources in the photon energy range of 59.5–1408.0 keV. Each obtained experimental result was compared with the theoretical results. It was observed that the sample encoded with BiWO20 is the best radiation shielding material among all studied composites (except 59.5 keV). • Polyester based and Bi 2 (WO 4) 3 reinforced composites were produced. • Their gamma radiation shielding properties were investigated. • The studies were carried out experimentally and theoretically. • There was agreement between experimental and theoretical results. • BiWO20 composite has the best radiation shielding among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]