Radiation Physics and Engineering
A peer-reviewed journal published by K. N. Toosi University of Technology

Evaluating the dosimetry response to gamma-rays in HDPE/Bi2O3 and PC/Bi2O3 nanocomposites

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Shahryar Malekie 1, 2
Amir Veiskarami 3
Sedigheh Kashian 1
Suffian Mohamad Tajudin 2

1 Radiation Application Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, P.O. Box 31485-498, Karaj, Iran

2 School of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu, Malaysia

3 Department of Medical Radiation Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/rpe.2024.467855.1213
Abstract
The recent emphasis on nanocomposites composed of polymers and metal oxides is largely due to their significant promise as effective radiation sensors, detectors, and dosimeters for gamma rays, X-rays, and charged particles. The sensitivity of a system may be affected by various factors, including the volume of the sensitive material, the concentration of heavy metal oxide nanoparticles, the bias voltage applied, and the degree of crystallinity within the polymer matrix. Studies have shown that a pronounced degree of crystallinity in polymers can restrict the homogeneous spread of nanoparticles. This research utilized two distinct polymer matrices, namely HDPE and PC, to create a nanocomposite that incorporated bismuth oxide nanoparticles at concentrations reaching 60 wt%. FESEM images revealed that PC exhibited better dispersion up to 60 wt%, while HDPE showed agglomeration at 40 wt%. Under a defined dose rate of 42.67 mGy.min-1, and with a fixed amount of Bi2O3 nano-fillers, the dosimetry response (measured as a change in electrical current) of PC was twice as pronounced compared to HDPE. Therefore, PC, as an amorphous polymer containing 50 wt% Bi2O3, may be considered a suitable candidate for dosimetry applications.

Highlights

  • Polymer/bismuth oxide nanocomposites were considered as gamma-ray dosimeters.
  • Two types of polymers were investigated crystalline HDPE, and amorphous PC.
  • The change in electrical current was considered as the dosimetry response.
  • PC exhibited better dispersion up to 60 wt%, while HDPE showed agglomeration at 40 wt%.
  • The amorphous PC at 40 wt% exhibited a higher response rather than HDPE.

Keywords

Dosimetry
Gamma-rays
Bismuth oxide
Polycarbonate
High-Density Polyethylene
Crystallinity
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Radiation Physics and Engineering
Volume 5, Issue 4
Autumn 2024
Pages 15-19

  • Receive Date 14 July 2024
  • Revise Date 03 August 2024
  • Accept Date 20 August 2024

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